Amplify Your Success

Melanie Benson
  • 5.0 (167)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Amplify Your Success is the only podcast for coaches, consultants, course creators and experts that integrates practical and proven business strategy along with mindset, motivation and energetic tools to amplify impact, income and influence. If you are looking to shatter your earning limits while making a massive impact with your business superpowers, tune in to hear 22 year business veteran Melanie Benson host power-packed conversations with other business industry leaders. Discover more tools and resources at MelanieBenson.com.

  1. 5h ago

    Episode 504: The Surprising Truth About Fear and Leadership When You're Ready to Grow with Rhonda Britten

    What if the thing holding you back from being more visible isn't a lack of strategy, confidence, or expertise, but fear? Fear can be surprisingly subtle. It can show up as procrastination, perfectionism, overthinking, people-pleasing, or that instinct to filter your message so you don't ruffle feathers. And when you're building a business, leading others, or stepping into a bigger level of visibility, those fear responses can quietly influence the decisions you're making. In episode 504 of Amplify Your Success podcast, I sit down with my close friend Rhonda Britten, an Emmy Award-winning life coach, four-time bestselling author, founder of the Fearless Living Institute, and creator of the concept of Fear Literacy™. We talk about why fear is more than an emotion, how it can operate beneath the surface, and why learning to recognize your fear responses can change the way you lead and grow. Rhonda and I explore what happens when fear becomes part of your decision-making, why uncertainty can trigger us to retreat into what's familiar, and how becoming more aware of fear can help you move toward greater freedom. If you've been holding back from being more visible, filtering the message you really want to share, or questioning yourself when you're on the edge of your next level, this conversation will give you a completely different way to understand what's happening.   Key Takeaways: [04:42] Why uncertainty is actually part of the growth process and how our ability to live in the unknown can create greater freedom. [05:40] Why procrastination, perfectionism, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome can be understood as fear responses rather than evidence that something is wrong with you. [06:37] Rhonda's Stretch, Risk, and Die framework and why growth doesn't always require taking the biggest possible leap. [10:30] Why fear is more than an emotion and how it can operate as an internal system that influences the way you think, feel, and act. [11:31] Why fear becomes more subtle as you become more experienced, educated, and successful. [12:45] How recognizing a fear response can help you step out of shame and self-blame and create space for a different choice. [13:22] The Wheel of Fear, the Wheel of Freedom, and how understanding your core trigger can change your relationship with fear. [16:30] Why fear showing up can actually be a sign that you're moving into a new level of growth and mastery. [19:02] What fear literacy means and the four stages of moving from fear illiteracy toward freedom fluency. [24:37] Why coaches and leaders need to recognize fear instead of labeling clients as resistant, lazy, self-sabotaging, or difficult. [29:20] A simple practice for recognizing your fear responses and asking what fear is trying to keep you safe from. [32:24] How to separate emotional risk from physical safety and choose what you would do if you were operating from freedom.   About The Guest:  Rhonda Britten has spent 30 years proving one thing: there's nothing wrong with you. It's just fear. An Emmy Award-winning life coach, 4-time bestselling author, and founder of the Fearless Living Institute. For more than 30 years, she has helped people break free from the hidden fear patterns that keep them stuck through her groundbreaking work on Fear Literacy™, the Wheel of Fear™, and the Wheel of Freedom™. She has changed lives on over 600 episodes of reality television including NBC's Emmy Award-winning reality show Starting Over and has been featured on Oprah, Today, and Steve Harvey.   Connect With The Guest:  Connect with Rhonda on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fearless-living-institute/  Follow Rhonda on Instagram - https://instagram.com/rhondabritten  Connect with Rhonda on Facebook - https://facebook.com/rhondabritten  Check out Name's Website For Some Great Resources - https://fearlessliving.org/  Listen To Rhonda's Master Coach Mindset Podcast - https://fearlessliving.org/podcast/   Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Download Rhonda's From Fear to Freedom resource guide here: https://fearlessliving.org/  Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings and valuable tools to grow through collaboration and strategic visibility.

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 503: Why a Healthy Relationship With Money Changes Everything with Melissa Mittelstaedt

    Have you ever noticed how easy it is to celebrate money coming in, but feel completely different when it's time to spend it? Or maybe you've caught yourself worrying about the economy, questioning your financial decisions, or wondering if it's even possible to build a thriving business while staying true to your values. These are conversations I think we need to have more often. In Amplify Your Success episode 503, I'm joined by Melissa Mittelstaedt, an accredited financial counselor who helps passion-led entrepreneurs build a healthier relationship with money. Together, we explore why money is so much more than numbers in a bank account. It's a relationship that influences how we make decisions, how we show up in our businesses, and even how we experience abundance. We also talk about the stories we've inherited about money, why conscious entrepreneurs have an opportunity to change those stories, how to navigate debt without shame, and practical ways to create a healthier relationship with money that supports both your business and your life. If you've ever felt tension around money, pricing, debt, or financial conversations, I think this episode will help you approach money with greater confidence, compassion, and possibility.   Key Takeaways: [02:35] Why now is the perfect time to examine your relationship with money and how it shapes every financial decision you make. [05:15] Melissa's four-part framework for creating a healthier relationship with money through business, personal, tactical, and spiritual practices. [07:30] The common stories conscious entrepreneurs believe about money and why it's time to rewrite them. [10:34] How becoming more visible with your values around money can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your own business. [12:06] Why a healthy relationship with money changes the way you approach sales conversations, strategic partnerships, and client relationships. [15:14] Melissa's perspective on navigating debt without shame and how to rebuild your relationship with money while creating a sustainable financial plan. [19:08] Two simple practices that can calm your nervous system around money, including gratitude and EFT tapping. [23:39] Melissa's favorite money mindset resource and why reading books that expand your perspective can help reshape your financial beliefs. [26:02] Melissa's free resource to help you better understand your relationship with money and begin creating healthier financial habits.   About The Guest:  Melissa Mittelstaedt is an Accredited Financial Counselor® & Consultant who walks alongside passion-led entrepreneurs on their comfy-with-money journey. Her financial story truly began when she suddenly realized that life after college couldn't be forged on student loans and credit card debt alone. Melissa has been a small business owner for 17 years, so her zone of genius is in a holistic view of both business & personal finances.   Connect With The Guest:  Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mittelstaedt/  Follow Melissa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_melissamitt/ Check out Melissa's Website For Some Great Resources - https://www.melissamitt.com Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Download Melissa Mittelstaedt's Relationship With Money resource guide - https://melissamitt.myflodesk.com/relationship  Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings.

  3. Aug 3

    Episode 502: The Prosperity Shift: From Proving Your Value To Leading From It with Eva Gregory

    Have you ever found yourself questioning your value, second-guessing your decisions, or wondering if the changing market means it's time to play smaller? Even the most experienced experts can fall into the trap of letting fear, uncertainty, or outside circumstances shape the choices they make. I've been there myself, and I know how easy it is to start looking for evidence outside of ourselves instead of trusting the wisdom we've already earned. In episode 502 of Amplify Your Success podcast, I'm airing a powerful conversation from my Substack, Growth Fuel with Eva Gregory – an award-winning Inner Authority Mentor who helps soul-led entrepreneurs move from proving their value to leading from it. Together, we explore why so many experts unknowingly make decisions from scarcity, how to recognize when fear is driving your business, and what it really takes to trust your inner guidance when the path ahead feels uncertain. If you've been feeling called to lead with greater confidence, create more prosperity, and stop looking outside yourself for permission, this episode will help you reconnect with the wisdom that's already within you.   Key Takeaways: 02:50 Why successful entrepreneurs can still fall into scarcity thinking, even after years of results. 05:00 How small decisions made from fear quietly shape the future of your business. 10:10 The biggest sign you're operating from a need to prove your value instead of trusting it. 14:00 How to tell the difference between fear that's protecting you and growth that's inviting you forward. 17:20 Eva's "What If Up" practice for shifting your focus from limitation to possibility. 20:10 Why your emotions are one of the clearest indicators that you're out of alignment with your truth. 23:00 How limiting beliefs can override your inner guidance, even when you know the next right step. 25:40 The mindset shifts that prosperous entrepreneurs consistently practice when facing uncertainty. 29:00 Why prosperity begins by trusting yourself before waiting for permission from the market. 31:45 Eva's GPS analogy for taking the next step, even before you can see the entire path.   About The Guest:  Eva Gregory is an award-winning Inner Authority Mentor who helps soul-led entrepreneurs move from proving their value to leading from it. She integrates inner guidance, energy alignment, and proven business strategy to help experts trust their work more deeply, attract high-end clients, and create premium offers that reflect the depth of their transformation. Applying the Law of Attraction to her prior business, Eva went from almost $100K in debt and near bankruptcy to a 7-figure bottom line within 9 months. She is the author of The Feel Good Guide to Prosperity and Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction, which she co-authored with Jack Canfield.   Connect With The Guest:  Connect with Eva on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coacheva Follow Eva on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/evagregory  Connect with Eva on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eva.gregory Check out Eva's Website For Some Great Resources - https://evagregory.com/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Take Eva Gregory's free Prosperity Pattern Quiz: https://yes.evagregory.com/quiz?am_id=melanie9087 Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings.

  4. Jul 27

    Episode 501: Rethinking Visibility: Building Authority and Trust in the New Era of Entrepreneurship

    For years, we've been told that becoming known means creating more content, growing bigger audiences, and showing up everywhere. But lately, I've been asking a different question: What if that visibility playbook is no longer the one that helps experts build real authority? In episode 501 of Amplify Your Success Podcast, I share what I've been noticing as I work with experts, host conversations, and continue building my own visibility strategy. The way people discover, trust, and choose who they work with is changing. We're seeing buying behavior shift, social algorithms become less reliable, and audiences crave something much deeper than constant content.   I talk about why I'm moving away from chasing visibility for visibility's sake and leaning into a different approach. One that's built on thought leadership, meaningful collaboration, trusted relationships, and community. I'll also share why I've become so excited about platforms like Substack, why I believe collaboration is becoming one of the most valuable ways to grow your authority, and what I think experts need to focus on if they want to become known in this next era of business. If you've been feeling like creating more content isn't producing the results it once did, this episode will help you rethink where your energy belongs and how to build authority that lasts.   Key Takeaways:  [00:00] Why I believe the traditional visibility playbook is expiring and what is replacing it. [02:19] The shift I'm seeing in how people build trust and make buying decisions today. [03:10] Why I believe the influencer era is giving way to a new kind of authority built on authenticity and earned wisdom. [06:51] Why I've stopped trying to create content for algorithms and what I'm focusing on instead. [09:03] How podcast guesting is evolving and why collaboration matters more than simply getting booked. [12:24] The common mistakes I see experts make that keep them from turning podcast interviews into meaningful business growth. [13:52] Why I'm investing so much energy into Substack and how it's becoming an important part of my authority ecosystem. [17:16] Why community has become one of the most valuable assets for building long-term visibility and trust. [20:41] How strategic collaborations create opportunities that simply can't be replicated by traditional marketing. [23:58] Why playing the long game is one of the most important mindset shifts you can make if you want to build lasting authority.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings. Episode 499: 10 Years Behind the Mic: What Every Business Podcast Host Should Know - https://melaniebenson.com/top-coaching-business-podcast/  Episode 500: How 500 Episodes as a Top 1% Podcast Made Me a Better Business Coach - https://melaniebenson.com/business-coach-podcast-lessons-podcast/

  5. Jul 20

    Episode 500: How 500 Episodes as a Top 1% Podcast Made Me a Better Business Coach

    Nine years ago I started this podcast with a simple goal: create meaningful conversations, support my collaboration partners, and deliver value to my community. I had no idea how much the journey would shape who I am as a business coach in the process. As we celebrate 500 episodes of Amplify Your Success, I wanted to do something different. Instead of looking back at my favorite interviews or biggest milestones, I'm sharing the lessons that changed me as a coach, a leader, and a business owner. These aren't podcasting tips or production hacks. They're the insights that emerged from consistently showing up, having hundreds of conversations, and learning what it really takes to build trust, authority, and community over time. In episode 500, I talk about why momentum matters more than motivation, how my podcast became my invisible sales force, what hosting hundreds of guests taught me about collaboration and discernment, and why this journey ultimately led me to create programs like my Authority Accelerator Mastermind.  If you've ever questioned whether the work you're consistently showing up for is making a difference, I hope these lessons encourage you to keep going. Sometimes the greatest transformation isn't just what you're building. It's who you're becoming along the way.   Key Takeaways: [00:00] Why reaching 500 episodes isn't just a milestone. It's a reflection on the lessons that shaped me as a business coach. [02:15] The surprising way podcasting transformed how I coach, lead, and serve my clients. [04:48] Why consistency became a leadership practice instead of just another content strategy. [07:39] How momentum, not motivation, creates long-term success and sustainable business growth. [09:45] Why a coaching business podcast can become your invisible sales force by building trust before prospects ever reach out. [11:52] The importance of specificity and why trying to speak to everyone weakens your authority. [13:56] What hosting hundreds of guest interviews taught me about collaboration, discernment, and setting higher standards. [16:11] Why saying "no" to the wrong guests ultimately strengthened my brand and protected my audience's trust. [18:01] The biggest pattern I noticed after interviewing hundreds of experts and why many podcast appearances don't translate into business growth. [20:18] How those observations led me to create Authority Accelerator and help experts become unforgettable podcast guests. [21:11] Why community, collaboration, and belonging have become central to how I build my business today. [23:24] The biggest lesson from 500 episodes and why becoming a better coach has been the greatest reward of this journey.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings. Help me celebrate this milestone for Amplify Your Success over on Substack here. Until July 31, 2026 you can qualify for valuable prizes when you join us a free or paid subscriber.

  6. Jul 13

    Episode 499: 10 Years Behind the Mic: What Every Business Podcast Host Should Know

    After nearly 500 episodes, I've learned something that I wish more business owners understood before they ever launched a podcast. A podcast doesn't make you visible. It doesn't automatically position you as the go-to expert. What creates those results is knowing what you want to be known for and using your podcast to build trust, deepen relationships, and strengthen your authority over time. As I prepared for my milestone episode, I found myself reflecting on what nearly a decade behind the microphone has really taught me. Not about microphones, downloads, or editing software, but about what actually makes a business podcast become a valuable asset instead of another piece of content that's forgotten after it's published. In episode 499 of the Amplify Your Success podcast, I'm sharing the 10 biggest lessons I've learned about creating a podcast that supports your business, attracts the right opportunities, and becomes an extension of your authority. We'll talk about why purpose matters before you ever hit record, why trust is more valuable than downloads, what causes so many podcasts to fade away, and how to turn your podcast into one of the most powerful relationship-building tools in your business. If you've ever wondered whether your podcast is really working for you, or you're thinking about starting one, I hope these lessons help you approach it with greater clarity, intention, and a much longer view of what's possible.   Key Takeaways:  [00:04] Why your podcast isn't the growth strategy. Your authority is. [04:03] Lesson #1: Know exactly why you're creating your podcast before you ever hit record. [06:00] Lesson #2: Stop expecting your podcast to be a short-term lead machine and start treating it as a long-term authority asset. [09:39] Lesson #3: Why every successful business podcast needs a clear leadership voice and Lighthouse Message. [11:02] Lesson #4: The best podcasts aren't built around information. They're built around trust. [13:20] Lesson #5: How your podcast can become one of your most valuable collaboration assets. [15:04] Lesson #6: Why your podcast should become part of your invisible sales force. [17:49] Lesson #7: The real reason podcasters quit. It's usually a systems problem, not a motivation problem. [20:25] Lesson #8: How to integrate your podcast into your content ecosystem so every episode works harder for your business. [22:46] Lesson #9: Why choosing the right guests strengthens your authority and expands your reach. [26:01] Lesson #10: The metric that matters more than podcast downloads.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings. Episode 465:  Build Trust Faster: How the 7-4-11 Content Model Turns Cold Leads into Ready to Buy Customers - https://melaniebenson.com/build-trust-content-marketing-podcast/

  7. Jul 6

    Episode 498: How Heart-Led Entrepreneurs Can Sell With Confidence and Integrity with Tom Jackobs

    Does selling ever make you uncomfortable? Maybe you avoid sales conversations because you don't want to come across as pushy, manipulative, or inauthentic. If yes, you would not be alone. Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs believe they have to choose between making an impact and becoming good at sales. But what if selling wasn't about convincing people at all? I certainly had my own resistance to selling in the beginning of my career, and I share my own experience as I chat with Ton Jackobs, creator of the Selling With HEART Framework, on Episode 498 of Amplify Your Success Podcast. Tom and I explore a different approach to sales, one built on trust, genuine connection, and helping people make the right decision for themselves. Tom shares why "selling is serving," the biggest mistakes heart-led entrepreneurs make during sales conversations, and how asking better questions can create more meaningful client relationships. We also unpack why coaching on a discovery call often works against you, how to navigate objections with confidence, and why authentic sales conversations feel less like persuasion and more like partnership. If you've been holding yourself back because selling feels uncomfortable, this episode will help you reframe sales as an opportunity to serve with integrity while confidently growing your business.   Key Takeaways: [02:50] Why selling is really about helping people make a decision, not convincing them to buy. [06:35] The mindset shift that transforms sales from something pushy into an act of service. [10:02] The biggest mistake heart-led entrepreneurs make during sales conversations: coaching instead of listening. [12:30] Why asking thoughtful questions creates more trust than giving immediate solutions. [15:00] How to handle objections without feeling manipulative or defensive. [18:02] Why objections are often clarifying questions, not roadblocks. [20:18] The role trust plays in every successful sales conversation. [22:15] Why the Selling With HEART Framework works in every industry, including B2B. [26:48] Can introverts succeed in sales? Tom explains why they often become exceptional salespeople. [30:40] Tom's final reminder: selling is serving, and every sales conversation is simply an opportunity to help someone make the right decision.   About The Guest:  Tom Jackobs is the creator of the Selling With HEART™ framework and a sales strategist who helps heart-led entrepreneurs grow their businesses without feeling pushy or inauthentic. After selling his fitness studio, Tom shifted into coaching full-time and has since helped thousands of wellness professionals, coaches, and service-based business owners turn awkward sales conversations into meaningful connections that convert. Known for blending storytelling, emotional intelligence, and practical sales systems, Tom teaches entrepreneurs how to amplify their impact while staying true to their values. He's also the founder of Business Lead Maximizer, where he combines AI-powered appointment setting with human-centered communication to help businesses book more qualified calls and reduce lead loss. Tom is the author of Selling With HEART, host of The Heart-Led Business Show, and has spoken internationally on ethical sales, automation, and purpose-driven business growth.   Connect With The Guest: Connect with Tom on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomjackobs/  Watch Tom on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@tomjackobs  Follow Tom on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/impactpilot/  Check out Tom's Website For Some Great Resources - www.tomjackobs.com    Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Access Tom's free training on how to fill your practice here: https://go.tomjackobs.com/watch  FREE GUIDE & SCORECARD: Feel like the best-kept secret? My proven Un-Ignorable Expert Framework is your step-by-step guide to turning your expertise into consistent, high-value client attraction by borrowing authority-rich visibility streams.

  8. Jun 29

    Episode 497: The Relationship-First Approach to Recovering Overdue Payments with Dee Bowden

    Nothing creates more stress in business than doing the work... and not getting paid by your client on time. Whether it's an overlooked invoice, a client who's gone silent, or a payment that's months overdue, unpaid invoices can quickly become more than a cash flow problem. They create uncertainty, frustration, and difficult conversations that many business owners would rather avoid. But what if collecting what you're owed didn't have to damage the relationship? In Episode 497 of Amplify Your Success Podcast, I sit down with revenue recovery specialist Dee Bowden to explore a relationship-first approach to collecting unpaid invoices. Rather than leading with confrontation or assumptions, Dee shares why every unpaid invoice has a story and how curiosity, communication, and problem-solving often uncover solutions that benefit everyone involved. Drawing from more than two decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in unpaid revenue, Dee shares her 4 Keys Framework, practical strategies for investigating payment delays, and simple systems every business owner should have in place before unpaid invoices become a bigger issue.  If you've ever hesitated to follow up on an unpaid invoice, or worried that asking for payment could damage a client relationship, this conversation will help you approach collections with greater confidence, professionalism, and compassion.   Key Takeaways: [02:42] Dee shares the story that inspired her relationship-first approach to revenue recovery after helping recover millions in unpaid invoices. [05:30] Why asking "What happened?" is often more effective than demanding payment. [10:43] The common internal mistakes businesses make that delay invoice payments. [14:23] Why every unpaid invoice has a story—and how to uncover it before making assumptions. [17:19] How relationship-based communication leads to better payment outcomes than confrontation. [20:08] What to do when a client genuinely can't pay their invoice in full. [23:35] Why grace, accountability, and clear payment plans can preserve valuable client relationships. [26:46] How to decide when it's time to keep pursuing payment and when it's appropriate to walk away. [31:08] The simple tracking system every business should use to stay on top of invoices and cash flow. [33:26] Dee's "Pregame, Game Day, Postgame" mindset for approaching difficult collection conversations with confidence. About The Guest:  Revenue Recovery Specialist & Author of Collect the Cash™ Dee Bowden has more than two decades of experience in improving cash flow and reducing revenue loss from unpaid invoices. She is the creator of the Collect the Cash™ Brand through which she teaches business owners that the Sale is not Complete until the Money is in the Bank! Dee is known for recovering $6 million in 60 days for a small IT company and for her relationship-driven approach to 828 collections. She has worked with public and private sector organizations, and her work and story have been featured in Forbes and Black Enterprise. Connect With The Guest:  Check out Dee's Website For Some Great Resources - https://collectthecash.biz/  Connect with Dee on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deebowden  Watch Dee on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@deecollectscash    Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Download Dee's Free Guide: 5 Tips to Collect the Cash - www.collectthecash.biz/freebie  Authority Accelerator 6 month Cohort: Discover your Lighthouse Message, and your hottest selling offer, then amplify the reach of your message by borrowing other people's audiences. Check out the details here Join me on Substack here to discover what's working now as our industry continues to evolve. Be sure to join as a Growth Fuel subscriber to gain access to upcoming live trainings.

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5
out of 5
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About

Amplify Your Success is the only podcast for coaches, consultants, course creators and experts that integrates practical and proven business strategy along with mindset, motivation and energetic tools to amplify impact, income and influence. If you are looking to shatter your earning limits while making a massive impact with your business superpowers, tune in to hear 22 year business veteran Melanie Benson host power-packed conversations with other business industry leaders. Discover more tools and resources at MelanieBenson.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Benson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025, Melanie Benson, Inc., All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Amplify Your Success

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