Sugar, Spice and Spirits

Sugar, Spice and Spirits

Where happy hour meets hustle, and the only thing stronger than our cocktails are our opinions. Hosted by three bold women who know business, real estate, and a good time. We’re serving up unfiltered conversations with a twist of lime. No fluff. No filters. Just real talk, big laughs, and a splash of something strong. Because around here, success is always on the menu.

  1. 21h ago ·  Video

    She Meant Arkansas... and Ended Up in Alaska

    What happens when an empty nester looking for a little adventure accidentally selects Alaska instead of Arkansas for a 13-week travel nursing assignment? If you're L’Donna, apparently you pack your bags, go anyway... and almost five years later, you're still there. In Episode 56 of Sugar, Spice & Spirits, Kelly joins us from Alaska with her longtime friend L’Donna for a conversation about Gen X women, empty nesting, career pivots, travel, taking chances and discovering a completely different version of your life after 40. L’Donna grew up quiet and shy in a small Texas town and never imagined herself becoming the woman who would move thousands of miles away, travel alone, camp in Alaska, hike mountains or become a flight attendant. But one opportunity led to another. A nursing career led to an unexpected marketing role. Marketing led to speaking in front of hospitals and insurance companies. Travel nursing led to Alaska. Alaska led to adventure. And her love of travel eventually led L’Donna to become a United Airlines flight attendant, where she traveled internationally and checked places like Tahiti off her bucket list. Today, she's back in healthcare as a Director of Staff Development, using her experience to educate, mentor and guide approximately 300 employees. We also get into the fun side of Alaska: the midnight sun, moose casually stopping traffic, glaciers, fishing, hiking, Homer Spit, the Salty Dawg, winter spas, cocktails, and why Kelly suddenly isn't so sure she wants to come back to Texas. But underneath all of it is a question worth asking: What are you not doing because you've convinced yourself, "That's just not me"? L’Donna's answer is pretty simple: try it. Because sometimes the mistake you thought you made becomes one hell of a story. 🍸 Sugar, Spice & Spirits — Where Happy Hour Meets Hustle

  2. Aug 12 ·  Video

    Steve Rozenberg - Build a Business That Runs Without You

    What if the biggest problem in your business isn't your marketing, leads or money? What if it's you? This week on Sugar, Spice & Spirits, Kelly, Mindy and Natalie sit down with entrepreneur, business coach, real estate investor and airline pilot Steve Rozenberg for a conversation about what separates a business that gives you freedom from one that simply becomes another job. Steve's entrepreneurial journey began after 9/11 when he was furloughed from the airlines and suddenly discovered that the "safe and secure" career he'd built his identity around wasn't as safe or secure as he'd believed. Instead of simply finding another version of the same career, Steve started studying wealth and real estate. Eventually, he built a real estate property management business while returning to aviation — and that's when the two worlds collided. Sitting at the gate preparing to fly a Boeing 777 to Tokyo, Steve watched hundreds of passengers leave an aircraft while teams unloaded baggage, cleaned, catered, fueled and inspected the plane before another group of passengers boarded. It happened because everyone knew exactly what to do. Systems. Processes. Checklists. Steve realized his business needed the same thing. In this episode, we talk about why entrepreneurs can actually grow themselves into bankruptcy, why the system should catch human mistakes, and why your business needs a specific destination before you can create the route to get there. Steve also gives small business owners an actionable challenge: spend four hours every week working ON the business instead of IN it. That means creating SOPs, processes, procedures, policies and checklists that allow the company to operate without everything depending on you. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Steve opens up about losing his 19-year-old son, Jett, in a motorcycle accident and the perspective that experience reinforced about family, time and the dangerous assumption that tomorrow is guaranteed. He also shares the mission behind the Live Like Jett Foundation, which helps high school students who cannot afford trade school pursue careers in skilled trades. And then we make the questionable decision to ask Steve to put on his CEO hat and evaluate Sugar, Spice & Spirits. It takes him approximately five seconds to find a problem. 😂 His challenge forces us to look at alignment, our ideal customer, the problem we're solving and the importance of marketing. As Steve puts it: The best known beats the best all day long. This is one of those conversations that starts with business systems and ends up asking a much bigger question: Are you building a business that supports the life you want - or sacrificing the life you wanted in order to keep the business alive? Grab a Woodford Reserve, add the big cube, and join us. Sugar, Spice & Spirits - where Happy Hour Meets Hustle. #GenXWomen #WomenInBusiness #GenXEntrepreneurs #EntrepreneurLifestyle #WomenBusinessOwners #GenXLifestyle #Over40Lifestyle #BusinessPodcast #HappyHourPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #nataliepilkinton #nataliepilkintonrealtor #mindyprice #insidethewhy #spring TX

  3. Aug 5 ·  Video

    The Biggest Real Estate Investing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) | Eddie Gant of Jet Lending

    Thinking about flipping your first house, buying rental properties, or building long-term wealth through real estate? Before you make your next investment, learn from someone who has financed thousands of deals and personally flipped nearly 1,900 homes. On this episode of Sugar, Spice & Spirits, hosts Natalie Pilkinton, Mindy Price, and Kelly Williams welcome Eddie Gant, founder of Jet Lending, for an in-depth conversation about the realities of real estate investing. Eddie shares decades of experience as a hard money lender and investor, offering practical advice that can help both new and experienced investors avoid expensive mistakes. The discussion covers everything from hard money lending, fix-and-flip financing, and DSCR loans to evaluating investment properties using After Repair Value (ARV), managing contractors, building a reliable investment team, and understanding today's Texas real estate market. Eddie explains why speed and dependable financing often matter more than finding the lowest interest rate and shares why successful investors focus on education, networking, and surrounding themselves with experienced professionals. The conversation also dives into current market conditions across Houston, Dallas, Austin, Beaumont, Galveston, and other Texas markets, discussing inventory levels, rental property opportunities, interest rates, and why Eddie believes long-term wealth is built by holding quality real estate—not chasing quick profits. You'll also hear entertaining stories from nearly three decades in the business, including contractor challenges, unusual investment properties, fraud prevention, and lessons learned from working with thousands of investors across Texas. Whether you're buying your first investment property, growing a rental portfolio, or simply curious about how experienced investors think, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can apply immediately. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS What hard money lending is and when investors should use it The biggest mistakes new real estate investors make How DSCR loans help investors finance rental properties Why contractor management can make or break a flip How to evaluate investment deals using ARV and proven formulas Why building relationships with experienced lenders, Realtors, title companies, and contractors is essential for long-term success 📣 CONNECT WITH EDDIE GANT Jet Lending 🌐 https://jetlending.com 📧 https://nataliepilkinton.com 🏡 https://calendly.com/nataliepilkinton 📧 https://insidethewhy.com Kelly Williams Health | Performance | Lifestyle Helping people improve health, discipline, and sustainable success. 🌐 https://personalhomecareservices.com 🍸 ABOUT THE PODCAST Sugar, Spice & Spirits is where Happy Hour Meets Hustle. Hosted by Natalie Pilkinton, Mindy Price, and Kelly Williams, the podcast features honest conversations about entrepreneurship, real estate investing, business, leadership, health, money, and navigating life as Gen X women. Each week, we bring industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders together to share practical advice, real stories, and strategies you can use in your own life and business. 🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share the podcast to never miss an episode.

  4. Jul 29 ·  Video

    She Never Came Home | Jo Ann Lowitzer's 16-Year Search for Ali

    What happens when a parent spends 16 years searching for a child who never came home? In this unforgettable episode of Sugar, Spice & Spirits, hosts Natalie Pilkinton, Mindy Price, and Kelly Williams sit down with Jo Ann Lowitzer, whose daughter Ali Lowitzer disappeared on April 26, 2010, after getting off her school bus in Spring, Texas to pick up a paycheck from work. She never arrived. Jo Ann shares the heartbreaking timeline of Ali's disappearance, the critical hours that followed, and the challenges her family faced as they searched for answers. She also explains the emotional reality of ambiguous loss—the painful space between hope and grief that so many families of missing loved ones experience every day. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her, Jo Ann transformed her pain into purpose by founding Hope for Ali, an organization dedicated to keeping missing persons in the public eye, supporting families, and reminding communities that awareness matters. This conversation goes beyond one family's story. It highlights the importance of treating every missing child with urgency, listening to a parent's intuition, and recognizing that even years later, someone may still hold the missing piece that brings answers. If this episode moves you, please share it. Every conversation, every download, and every share helps keep Ali's story alive. Because somebody knows something. KEY TAKEAWAYS Jo Ann Lowitzer shares the story of Ali Lowitzer's disappearance and the family's 16-year search for answers. Learn what "ambiguous loss" means and how it impacts families of missing loved ones. Discover how Hope for Ali advocates for missing children and supports other families. Why every missing child deserves immediate action and public awareness. How sharing one story can make a real difference in an unsolved case. CALL TO ACTION If this episode touched your heart, please follow Sugar, Spice & Spirits, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. You never know who might recognize a detail, remember something, or help keep Ali's story alive. ABOUT THE HOSTS Natalie Pilkinton Real Estate | Investing | Strategy HomeRock Realty 📍 Houston, TX 🌐 https://nataliepilkinton.com Mindy Price Speaker | Coach | Founder of Inside The Why 🌐 https://insidethewhy.com Kelly Williams Health | Performance | Lifestyle 🌐 https://personalhomecareservices.com 📧 kelly@personalhomecareservices.com One suggestion that can increase Podbean discoverability Because Podbean indexes episode descriptions, include a final line with naturally written keywords instead of a list of tags: Topics: Ali Lowitzer, Jo Ann Lowitzer, Hope for Ali, missing persons, missing child, missing teenager, Spring Texas, Texas EquuSearch, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, ambiguous loss, advocacy, child safety, unsolved missing persons, Sugar, Spice & Spirits Podcast. This gives you additional searchable context without making the description feel like keyword stuffing.

  5. Jul 22 ·  Video

    She Turned One Facebook Page Into 4 Businesses

    What happens when a simple idea turns into multiple successful businesses? In this episode of Sugar, Spice & Spirits, we sit down with Ashley, the creator of Police Happenings, Food Happenings, Lawn Happenings, and the soon to launch Soda Happenings. What started with listening to police scanners quickly grew into one of the Houston area's most trusted community resources, helping thousands stay informed while supporting local businesses, first responders, and families in need. Ashley shares the incredible journey behind building a loyal Facebook community by staying factual, avoiding online drama, and earning the trust of her followers. She explains how her platform helped local restaurants survive during the COVID shutdowns, how she uses her influence to support homeless teens and charitable organizations, and why giving back has always been at the heart of everything she does. We also discuss how unexpected challenges, including health issues and her husband's job loss, became the motivation to launch Lawn Happenings and the upcoming Soda Happenings. Her story is proof that setbacks can become opportunities when you're willing to take action. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, small business owner, or simply someone looking for inspiration to build something meaningful, this episode is filled with practical lessons about consistency, community, leadership, and creating multiple income streams while making a positive impact. Pour yourself a drink and join us for another episode where Happy Hour Meets Hustle.   • How Ashley built Police Happenings into one of Houston's most trusted Facebook communities • Why staying factual and earning trust helped grow her audience • How social media became the foundation for multiple successful businesses • The importance of supporting local businesses, first responders, and community organizations • How life's biggest setbacks became the catalyst for new opportunities • Why serving your community can also create long term business success   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Sugar, Spice & Spirits on Podbean, leave us a 5 star review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little inspiration to start their next business or side hustle. Every follow, review, and share helps us continue bringing you real conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are making a difference. Natalie Pilkinton Real Estate | Investing | Strategy HomeRock Realty 20+ years helping buyers, sellers, and investors build wealth through real estate. 📍 Houston, TX 🌐 https://nataliepilkinton.com 📅 https://calendly.com/nataliepilkinton 👉 Work with Natalie: Buy | Sell | Invest | Coach Mindy Price Speaker | Coach | Founder of Inside The Why Helping entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, take action, and grow through speaking and coaching. 🌐 https://insidethewhy.com 👉 Book Mindy: Speaking | Coaching Kelly Williams Health | Performance | Lifestyle Helping people create sustainable success without burnout. 🌐 https://personalhomecareservices.com 📧 Kelly@PersonalHomeCareServices.com 👉 Connect: Performance | Health | Lifestyle

  6. Jul 15 ·  Video

    Gen X Women: Things We Thought ONLY Rich Kids Had Growing Up

    Did you think someone was rich because they had cable TV, a two-story house, a backyard pool, or even a cordless phone? If you're Gen X, this episode is guaranteed to unlock some hilarious childhood memories. Join Natalie Pilkinton, Mindy Price, and Kelly Williams as they take a nostalgic trip back to the status symbols that made us believe our friends had "made it." From Pizza Hut buffets, Olive Garden dinners, caller ID, Star 67, waterbeds, boxed wine, granite countertops, and Grey Poupon to flying on airplanes and owning a color TV, the hosts share funny personal stories and discover how differently they define wealth today. The conversation also explores growing up with limited resources, learning to fix things instead of replacing them, and how resilience, resourcefulness, and strong family values often created a richer life than money ever could. Whether you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, this episode is full of laughs, relatable memories, and plenty of "I remember that!" moments. What made someone "rich" in your neighborhood? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments! Key Takeaways The childhood status symbols Gen X kids believed meant someone was wealthy. How technology—from rabbit ears to caller ID—changed everyday life. Funny memories of Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, waterbeds, and other "luxuries." Why resourcefulness and resilience often mattered more than money. How our definition of wealth has changed as adults. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Sugar, Spice & Spirits, leave a review, and share this episode with another Gen X friend who'll laugh at these memories. Don't forget to tell us in the comments: What did you think only rich kids had growing up? 🎙️ ABOUT YOUR HOSTS – SUGAR, SPICE & SPIRITS Natalie Pilkinton – Real Estate | Investing https://nataliepilkinton.com Mindy Price – Speaker | Coach https://insidethewhy.com Kelly Williams – Health | Performance https://personalhomecareservices.com

  7. Jul 8

    Gen X Women Entrepreneurs: The Hustle, Leadership & Life Behind Success

    Success rarely happens overnight, and this episode proves it. Join Natalie Pilkinton, Mindy Price, and Kelly Williams as they pull back the curtain on what entrepreneurship really looks like after 40. From speaking at national conferences and growing businesses to raising resilient kids, rebranding companies, and building long-term relationships, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and honest stories. Mindy joins the show live from New Orleans after speaking at the National Apartment Association conference, sharing lessons from leadership workshops, insights from Daymond John, and an inspiring interview with Nicole Kidman about passion, longevity, and staying motivated after decades of success. Natalie dives into the reality of entrepreneurship, explaining why successful business owners constantly nurture relationships, fill their pipeline, and stay disciplined with CRM systems, follow-up, and consistent communication. She also shares heartfelt parenting stories about teaching independence, resilience, and preparing children for adulthood. Kelly discusses the challenges and rewards of completely rebranding her business, embracing change, and continuing to evolve even after years of success. Together, the hosts remind listeners that growth requires action, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning. The episode also explores one of the most uplifting stories surrounding the FIFA World Cup as international travelers experience America through road trips, local restaurants, Buc-ee's, NASA, Waffle House, rodeos, and the kindness of everyday people. It's a refreshing reminder that genuine hospitality still exists and that meaningful connections can cross every cultural boundary. Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate professional, business owner, or simply someone navigating life after 40, this conversation offers encouragement, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. Grab your favorite drink and join us where Happy Hour Meets Hustle. Key Takeaways Success is built through consistent action, not overnight wins. Building relationships and nurturing your pipeline creates long-term business growth. Great leaders never stop learning, adapting, or investing in others. Teaching children independence prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Business growth often requires rebranding, innovation, and embracing change. The FIFA World Cup is creating incredible moments of cultural connection across America. Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sugar, Spice & Spirits, leave a review, and share this episode with another entrepreneur, business owner, or friend who could use a little inspiration and a lot of real talk. Visit our websites below to connect with the hosts, explore their businesses, or learn more about working together. 🎙️ ABOUT YOUR HOSTS – SUGAR, SPICE & SPIRITS Natalie Pilkinton Real Estate | Investing | Strategy HomeRock Realty 20+ years helping buyers, sellers, and investors build wealth through real estate. 📍 Houston, TX 🌐 https://nataliepilkinton.com 📅 https://calendly.com/nataliepilkinton 👉 Work with Natalie: Buy | Sell | Invest | Coach Mindy Price Speaker | Coach | Founder of Inside The Why Helping entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, confidence, and growth through speaking and coaching. 🌐 https://insidethewhy.com 👉 Book Mindy for Speaking or Coaching Kelly Williams Health | Performance | Lifestyle Helping people achieve sustainable success through better health, performance, and intentional living. 🌐 https://personalhomecareservices.com 👉 Connect with Kelly 🍸 ABOUT THE PODCAST Sugar, Spice & Spirits is where Happy Hour Meets Hustle. Three Gen X women. Real conversations. Entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, mindset, real estate, health, and the stories behind success. No fluff. Just honest conversations worth sharing. New episodes every week.

  8. Jul 1 ·  Video

    America at 250, FIFA Fever & Why the World Is Falling in Love with the USA | Sugar, Spice & Spirits

    America is celebrating its 250th birthday, and the timing couldn't be more exciting. With the FIFA World Cup bringing millions of visitors from around the globe, people are experiencing the United States in a way that goes far beyond famous landmarks. They're discovering the local diners, Texas hospitality, free drink refills, road trips, and everyday moments that make America unique. In this episode of Sugar, Spice & Spirits, Natalie, Mindy, and Kelly share stories about how international visitors are changing the conversation around America. From viral reactions to Waffle House and Texas Roadhouse to discussions about Washington, D.C., Pearl Harbor, Juneteenth, and America's rich history, the conversation blends humor, gratitude, and perspective. The hosts reflect on what freedom means, why sports have a remarkable way of bringing people together, and how events like the FIFA World Cup create connections that rise above politics, borders, and stereotypes. They also discuss Houston's incredible diversity, the pride Texans have in welcoming visitors, and why this milestone birthday is a chance to appreciate both where America has been and where it's headed. The episode also includes exciting updates about upcoming Sugar, Spice & Spirits live recordings, future guests, and how listeners can become part of the growing community. Whether you're a lifelong American, an entrepreneur, a soccer fan, or someone simply curious about why the world is talking about America again, this episode offers a refreshing, lighthearted conversation celebrating culture, community, and connection. Key Takeaways 🇺🇸 Why America's 250th birthday is a historic milestone worth celebrating. ⚽ How FIFA visitors are reshaping perceptions of America through everyday experiences. 🌎 Why Houston and Texas showcase some of America's greatest cultural diversity. ❤️ How sports unite people across countries, cultures, and political differences. 🍔 The unexpected American experiences international visitors love most—from Waffle House to free refills. 🎙️ Updates on upcoming Sugar, Spice & Spirits live events and guest interviews. Call to Action If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review on Podbean. Share this episode with someone who loves America, travel, sports, entrepreneurship, or simply enjoys authentic conversations over a great drink. We'd also love to hear from you: If you were showing an international visitor the "real America," where would you take them first? 🎙️ ABOUT YOUR HOSTS – SUGAR, SPICE & SPIRITS Natalie Pilkinton Real Estate | Investing | Strategy HomeRock Realty 20+ years helping buyers, sellers, and investors build wealth through real estate. 📍 Houston, TX 🌐 https://nataliepilkinton.com 📅 https://calendly.com/nataliepilkinton 👉 Work with Natalie: Buy | Sell | Invest | Coach Mindy Price Speaker | Coach | Founder of Inside The Why Helps entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, take action, and grow through speaking and coaching. 🌐 https://insidethewhy.com 👉 Book Mindy: Speaking | Coaching Kelly Williams Health | Performance | Lifestyle Focuses on real-life performance, discipline, and sustainable success without burnout. 🌐 https://personalhomecareservices.com 👉 Connect: Performance | Health | Lifestyle 🍸 ABOUT THE PODCAST Sugar, Spice & Spirits is where Happy Hour Meets Hustle. Three Gen X women. Three unique perspectives. Real conversations about entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, lifestyle, travel, current events, and the stories shaping our lives. No fluff. Just honest conversations with a cocktail in hand. New episodes every week. Follow, share, and join the conversation.

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Where happy hour meets hustle, and the only thing stronger than our cocktails are our opinions. Hosted by three bold women who know business, real estate, and a good time. We’re serving up unfiltered conversations with a twist of lime. No fluff. No filters. Just real talk, big laughs, and a splash of something strong. Because around here, success is always on the menu.

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