Intentional Improvement

Erica LeMarr

The podcast that intentionally improves your life one conversation at a time. You will learn from our guests experiences, tailor their successes to propel you in yours and be intentional with the direction of your life. 

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Free Yourself From the Time Money Trap

    “Time is the only asset you can never get more of. If your money depends on your time, you’re not building wealth, you’re renting your life.” In this episode, the host sits down with Clay Weger, CEO and co-founder of PaymXnts, for a conversation that questions one of the biggest lies many of us were taught: that time equals money. Clay introduces a different concept he calls passive money, which is income produced by systems and labor that continue working even when you are not. He shares his journey from investing over a million dollars and years of effort into traditional businesses to discovering how to build mechanisms that gave him control of his time. Clay explains the difference between passive income and passive money, why so many people remain stuck trading hours for dollars, and the defining formula for freedom: your passive money must exceed your monthly expenses. The conversation explores the payment processing industry and how his referral model allows everyday people to earn recurring revenue by connecting business owners to better systems. He also speaks openly about spiritual setbacks, mentorship, and how shifting his perspective changed the way he sees trials, success, and impact. This episode offers a fresh lens on wealth, freedom, and what it truly means to stop living on payroll and start building systems that work for you. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introducing our guest, Clay Weger 00:29 – The mission to set 10,000 people financially free 01:55 – The three types of millionaires 03:53 – The two essentials for passive money: mechanism and labor 05:05 – How the PaymXnts referral agent model works 08:56 – Passive money vs passive income 09:56 – The Freedom Equation 14:14 – Building systems takes time 16:53 – The power of leverage and doing less 18:34 – Escaping the cash flow quadrant 20:04 – The $350 entry and building the engine  21:27 – Why helping others achieve freedom matters 23:54 – Funding freedom without large capital  26:18 – Mentorship, faith, and mindset reset  29:01 – Trials and tribulations as a guidepost 33:23 – Retirement equals control of time  35:28 – Look upward first  36:11 – Inaction costs more than mistakes  39:08 – Never sell passive income without replacement  40:41 – How to get started with PaymXnts Connect with Clay Weger: Web: https://www.paymxnts.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@PaymXntsIG: https://www.instagram.com/PaymXnts1?Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    40 min
  2. FEB 20

    When You’re a Business Owner, Why Do You Have to Pay to Get Paid?

    If “that’s just the cost of doing business” is draining your profits, it might be time to stop accepting the leak and start fixing the bucket. In this episode, the host sits down with Bobby Poole, co-founder and CMO of PaymXnts, to talk about how his journey through entrepreneurship, real estate, and running a family entertainment business led him to discover a better way for business owners to keep more of their money and get it faster. Bobby shares his origin story, from realizing early on that he was not built for a 9-to-5, to building and buying businesses, to facing the pressure of keeping things afloat during COVID. He explains how one simple question about credit card fees opened his eyes to how much money business owners quietly lose every year and how that moment eventually led to the creation of PaymXnts. He breaks down the dual-price model, why the idea of “paying to get paid” never made sense to him, and how faster access to your money can change cash flow, payroll, and day-to-day decisions. This conversation challenges the belief that losing a percentage of your revenue is just part of the deal and offers a practical look at how keeping more of what you already earn can create more time, more freedom, and more breathing room for business owners. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introducing our guest, Bobby Poole 01:00 – Why Bobby chose entrepreneurship over a 9–5 02:40 – From real estate to owning a paintball park 04:30 – Buying a business right before COVID 07:45 – The question that changed everything: credit card fees 11:08 – The dual price model  12:44 – Getting 100% of your money, faster 15:14 – Cash flow is king 18:18 – Passing fees to the customer  19:34 – When's the best time to plant a money tree?  22:16 – The hidden fees most owners never check 25:23 – What keeping $30,000 a year could change in real life 29:19 – Getting off the hamster wheel 30:49 – Advice to his 20-year-old self: Start sooner 31:39 – What does success mean to you? 32:29 – How to get started with PaymXnts Connect with Bobby Poole: Web: https://www.paymxnts.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@PaymXntsIG: https://www.instagram.com/PaymXnts1?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-poole-5468762a/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    35 min
  3. FEB 12

    How Social Media Has Changed the Real Estate Game W/ Shannon Gilette

    You do not need a massive budget or instant fame to build a business people trust. You need consistency, clarity, and the courage to show up as yourself. In this episode, the host sits down with Shannon Gillette, one of the top Realtors in Arizona, leader of the Gillette Group, founder of the Awaken Summit, and a nationally recognized real estate leader known for her bold voice of faith in the industry, to talk about building a business through personal branding and social media. Shannon shares what it was like to start with zero followers, no budget for leads, and a lot of uncertainty, and why she chose to stay consistent even when it felt uncomfortable. She explains why posting only “just listed, just sold” content rarely builds trust, how Instagram Stories and video help people get to know you before they ever reach out, and why showing who you are matters in a crowded market. She also talks about how faith shapes her work, the pressure that comes with real estate, and what it looks like to keep going without expecting overnight results. This conversation is a reminder that building a real estate business is not only about transactions. It is about showing up. It is about earning trust. And it is about doing the work long enough for people to see and choose you. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Shannon’s start in real estate and early fears 01:36 – Creating content that attracts the right audience 03:03 – Fear as part of growth 04:58 – Connection over selling 05:55 – How social media brings referrals 07:19 – There is no overnight success 08:30 – The birth of the Awaken Summit 10:12 – The vision: faith, industry burnout, and purpose 12:17 – Building the speaker lineup 14:49 – Choosing action over regret  15:47 – Why spreading the word matters 17:06 – Faith as a foundation for business 17:56 – How to connect with Shannon Awaken Summit Tickets: To learn more about the Awaken Summit or to get your tickets, visit https://www.awakensummit.com/tickets Connect with Shannon Gillette: Web: https://gillettegroupaz.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/gillettegroupaz/YT: www.youtube.com/@shannon_gilletteIG: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_gillette/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    19 min
  4. JAN 22

    Protecting the Business You’re Building

    You can build the business of your dreams, but without the right protection, one mistake can cost you everything. What you’re building deserves structure, clarity, and security. In this episode of Intentional Improvement, Erica sits down with Las Vegas-based attorney Sarah Ocampo to break down the real-world legal risks business owners face and the practical steps required to protect assets, companies, and families. With a background in business, probate, and real estate law, Sarah brings clarity to a world most entrepreneurs overlook, including LLC formation, piercing the corporate veil, commingling funds, operating agreements, umbrella policies, and modern real estate scams affecting homeowners and investors. Through powerful client stories and relatable teaching moments, Sarah explains why having an LLC is not enough, how courts evaluate liability, when insurance becomes asset protection, and why written agreements and documentation are non-negotiable in business. Her journey anchored in connection, fulfillment, and service gives listeners a deeper understanding of success beyond money. This conversation is an essential reminder that business is not just about growth. It is about protection. It is about stewardship. And it is about building something that can withstand conflict, mistakes, and unexpected storms. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introducing our today’s guest, Sarah Ocampo 01:01 – An unconventional path into law 04:00 – Why LLCs alone don’t guarantee protection 07:28 – What “piercing the corporate veil” really means 08:31 – Using Series LLCs for real estate asset protection 12:27 – Can you fix an LLC that hasn’t been operated properly? 14:33 – Why umbrella insurance is powerful asset protection 17:45 – The biggest mistake business partners make 22:05 – How real estate law shows up in everyday situations 23:51 – How fraudulent deed cases get resolved in court 27:10 – Why suing isn’t always worth it financially 29:08 – Why good lawyers don’t take cases personally 31:05 – Can buyers sue real estate agents?  36:23 – How to document agreements without contracts 39:42 – Where do you see yourself and your business in the next 5 years? 41:03 – The real value of relationships and networking 43:25 – AI as a tool vs. replacing professional judgment 45:09 – Success is fulfillment and impact 49:00 – Connect with Sarah Ocampo Connect with Sarah Ocampo: Web: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocampo-wiseman-law/X: https://x.com/OcampoWisemanFB: https://www.facebook.com/ocampowisemanlawYT: www.youtube.com/@ocampowisemanlawIG: https://www.instagram.com/ocampowisemanlaw/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocampo-wiseman-law/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    49 min
  5. JAN 15

    How to Finish Things Faster and Know When It Is Done

    You are still here because what your life is meant to do is bigger than what tried to stop you. The struggle did not happen because you were weak. It happened because what you carry matters. In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bess, Christian author of PRESERVED, entrepreneur, and Kingdom leader, to explore what it means to be sustained by faith through trauma, leadership, and calling. Dr. Bess shares his extraordinary survival story, including a childhood marked by abuse, thirteen near-death experiences, and the faith that carried him through seasons of pain, responsibility, and rebuilding. He opens up about building and leading multiple businesses, raising his children as a single father, and learning how to get things done without sacrificing integrity, faith, or family. Through honest reflection, Dr. Bess unpacks lessons on resilience, decision-making, letting go of perfection, and leading with trust and discipline. This conversation is a powerful reminder that preservation is never accidental. It is preparation for purpose, and every scar can point someone back to hope. Topics Covered: 01:33 – Welcoming our guest, Dr. Robert Bess 03:08 – A childhood shaped by trauma and survival 05:50 – Faith is the foundation for resilience and success 07:11 – How to approach big goals one step at a time 08:43 – Compartmentalizing life to avoid chaos and burnout 10:04 – Managing stress and keeping negativity in its place 11:30 – How do you know what to prioritize? 14:16 – Trusting teams, releasing pride, and allowing failure 17:17 – How do you know when your work is good? 19:20 – Understanding your “why” before taking action 21:10 – How to observe competition without copying or comparing 23:13 – Identifying blockers before they stop your progress 27:00 – Making decisive leadership decisions 29:24 – Why supporting growth builds stronger teams 32:26 – How do you know you made the right decision?  34:13 – How to set goals that actually keep people motivated 38:37 – Integrity, conviction, and standing firm in your values 40:56 – Why testimonials matter in building trust and brand 41:47 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 43:19 – Don’t believe the lies 44:27 – How spilled lanes create chaos and stress 45:40 – Success is obedience, purpose, and kingdom impact Connect with Dr. Robert Bess: Web: https://drrobertbess.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DrRobertBessX: https://x.com/DrRobertBessFB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertBessIG: https://www.instagram.com/Dr.RobertBess/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drrobertbess/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    49 min
  6. JAN 8

    How Mrs. United States Found Her Calling Beyond the Crown

    “You can have the title, the awards, and the recognition, but your impact comes from the heart you give and the lives you touch.” In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Sharelle Mendenhall, former Miss United States, CEO, and founder of multiple businesses and the Roar Fest. Sharelle shares her journey from stepping into pageantry on a whim to winning national titles, using her platform to advocate for causes like child trafficking, and serving communities with unwavering faith and discipline. She opens up about building businesses from the ground up, leading teams with intentional energy, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Sharelle dives into the lessons she’s learned about attitude, authenticity, perseverance, and the power of faith in both life and business. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and creating a legacy that goes beyond personal success. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Welcoming our guest, Sharelle Mendenhall  01:17 – How Sharelle unexpectedly entered pageantry and won her first title 02:38 – Turning pageantry into a platform for service 03:52 – Why Sharelle never gave up 05:45 – The power of faith, discipline, and attitude 07:25 – Redefining pageantry as purpose and advocacy 09:01 – Everything is what you make of it 10:29 – Why attitude matters more than aptitude 13:32 – Authenticity as a source of influence 15:06 – Hold every single thought captive 16:48 – Using faith as an advantage in business 18:56 – Giving yourself permission to fail when building a business 22:52 – Lessons learned through leadership challenges 24:41 – The vision behind Roar Fest and why it was created 26:45 – Learning to serve from childhood through family example 30:10 – Why success without service feels empty 31:49 – What’s next for you in the next 5 years? 32:44 – Allow yourself to grieve 34:49 – Trusting God to avoid being paralyzed by fear and grief 38:59 – Success is becoming who God created you to be 41:22 – Living with an eternal perspective 43:06 – Leading with integrity and being mindful of the next generation 44:44 – Never give up and never give fear a place Connect with Sharelle Mendenhall: Web: https://theroarfest.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/sharellemendenhall/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharelle-mendenhall-08771617/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    46 min
  7. 12/04/2025

    The Science Behind Sex and How Intimacy Can Heal Your Relationship

    Intimacy is designed to be a natural, life-giving part of a relationship. It is how two people connect, communicate through their bodies, and strengthen their bond. Yet even with its importance, countless couples struggle to talk openly about sex.  In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Brittany Farrow, whose work helps couples understand their bodies, their minds, and how to truly connect. Brittany opens up about common myths around sex and arousal, how societal messages shape our experiences, and the ways couples can learn to communicate openly about desire, pleasure, and intimacy. She breaks down practical strategies for understanding your body, from noticing simple sensations like temperature, texture, and pressure, to exploring touch in ways that help reduce performance pressure and enhance connection. Brittany also dives into sexual trauma, why myths about sex and attraction create unnecessary shame and frustration and how awareness and communication can transform a couple’s experience. From learning to accept your body, understanding arousal, to creating space for honest conversation with your partner, Brittany’s insights provide actionable guidance for anyone seeking a more connected, fulfilling, and confident sexual relationship. Connect with Brittany Farrow: Web: https://www.farrowfamilytherapy.com/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    58 min
  8. 11/20/2025

    How Your Personal Brand Will Separate You From the Rest Featuring Caleb Ralston

    "As an educator you want to do everything possible to make it easy for someone to take action and solve a problem and the beauty of business is that the moment you solve one problem you instantly become aware of the next one." In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with creator and brand strategist Caleb Ralston, whose journey from borrowing his mom’s camera to working alongside industry leaders is anything but accidental. Caleb opens up about the early opportunities that shaped him, the lessons learned under mentors, and the pivotal moment with Gary Vaynerchuk that shifted how he saw his purpose and potential. He breaks down what brand-building really looks like behind the scenes, why consistency beats aesthetics, how clarity fuels trust, and why knowing what you stand for (and stand against) is foundational to long-term growth. Caleb also shares how his own audience took off, what creators often get wrong, and how staying rooted in service keeps him aligned while scaling. From paid-off debt goals that took on a life of their own to redefining what productivity looks like in a creator’s world, Caleb’s story is packed with real-world insight and mindset shifts for anyone wanting to build with intention. Connect with Caleb Ralston: Web: https://calebralston.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/calebralstonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralston/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@CalebRalstonConnect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

    1h 2m
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The podcast that intentionally improves your life one conversation at a time. You will learn from our guests experiences, tailor their successes to propel you in yours and be intentional with the direction of your life.