Conversations in the Dark with Erica Vander Sande

Erica Vander Sande
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

There are the things we say in the daylight. And then there are the things we only admit in the dark. Conversations in the Dark is a podcast about the thoughts, questions, ambitions, and uncomfortable truths we don’t always know how to say out loud. Hosted by Erica Vander Sande—entrepreneur, marketing agency owner, mom, and intuitive—this show goes into the places where business, motherhood, money, ambition, grief, spirituality, AI, and identity collide. Some conversations will be deeply personal. Some will challenge the way we’ve been taught to work, lead, parent, and define success. And some might make you think, Wait…are we allowed to say that? That’s probably the point. Because the conversations we whisper to our closest friends, think about at 2 a.m., or aren’t quite ready to say in the daylight are often the ones most worth having. No perfectly packaged answers. No pretending we’ve figured it all out. Just honest conversations about building businesses, raising humans, becoming ourselves—and questioning the rules along the way. The dark is just where the conversation begins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 07/23/2025

    The Power of an Intentional Pause: How to Step Back So You Can Move Forward

    Ever feel like life (or your business) is forcing you to slow down—whether you like it or not? In this refreshing and relatable episode, I’m sharing how embracing an intentional pause can actually make you more resilient, creative, and profitable in the long run. I pull back the curtain on: The mindset shift it takes to choose to slow down—before burnout chooses for youHow to prep your finances, your team, and your clients for a season of restWhat it really looked like for me to pause this summer, honor my family, and refill my own cupHow I protect my energy (and revenue) during slow seasons—without spiraling into scarcityMy behind-the-scenes strategy for easing back in with fresh energy, warm leads, and aligned offersHow to use intentional “off” seasons as a powerful momentum-builder for your next growth phaseThis is your permission slip to rest, reset, and remember: your worth is not tied to your output. 💡 Key TakeawaysPausing is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.Your business should support your life—not the other way around.Prepare for slow seasons with savings, flexible team structures, and creative planning.Use pauses to reconnect with what actually lights you up—then return with intentional momentum.Easing back in is just as important as stepping away.🌿 Ready to build a more sustainable business?If this episode hit home, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And if you’re craving more peace, profitability, and spaciousness, let’s connect. https://theminacompany.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 06/25/2025

    Do It Scared: How Facing the Hard Stuff Sets You Free

    We’re talking about what it really looks like to face the things you’ve been avoiding—personally, professionally, emotionally. In this episode, I share a raw and real story of finally booking a long-overdue doctor’s appointment, the emotional weight behind it, and why I’m done doing the hard things in the dark. We unpack: The powerful shift from avoidance to action (even when it's scary)Why it’s okay to do things with shaking hands and a pounding heartThe power of community and accountability when you're navigating hard thingsHow personal growth and business evolution go hand-in-handThe permission to rest and the push to pursue what feels hard but trueWhether you're in a season of change, confronting old fears, or just feeling like everything’s a little tender—this one is for you. 💡 Key Takeaways:You don’t have to feel brave to take the next step—just take it.Retreating to process is okay, but isolation can stall your growth.The most meaningful growth often begins in discomfort.A “phone-a-friend” rule might just be the accountability shift you need.Your people want to show up for you—let them.❤️ Mentioned In This Episode:Shoutout to Becca from [Motherhood Mentor] for the “24-hour rule” wisdomHow community (like my Mastermind group) makes the scary things feel possible🚀 Ready to Level Up?If this episode hit home, send it to a friend who needs a little courage today—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the good stuff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 06/18/2025

    The Nervous System of Your Business: Why Peace > Productivity

    Let’s be real: your content isn’t converting, your creative energy is flatlining, and you’re wondering if you’re just screaming into the void. Sound familiar? In this deeply grounding episode, we’re diving into the real reason your marketing might not be working—and it’s not your strategy. It’s your nervous system. We talk about: Why creative burnout happens (and how to know if it’s happening to you)The sneaky impact of daily overstimulation on your marketing energyHow your nervous system is your business’s nervous system (yes, really)Why “half-assing” some things is a strategic power moveCreating magnetism by doing what lights you up (not drains you)Why AI can be your easy-button, not your enemyReal examples of clients hitting burnout and how we helped them shift From marketing overwhelm to parenting chaos to reclaiming presence in everyday life, this episode is a permission slip to slow down, regulate, and reimagine how you show up. 💡 Key Takeaways:If it feels heavy, it probably is. Lighten your load before you burn out.You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be where your energy flows best.A dysregulated business owner = a dysregulated business.Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is half-ass what doesn’t matter.You can protect your peace and still show up powerfully in business.✨ Ready to Build a Business That Feels Better?Whether you’re a solopreneur drowning in to-do lists or a growing team feeling the tension, we help you align your marketing strategy with your nervous system. Let’s make space for the work that lights you up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 06/11/2025

    Send the Damn Email: Embracing the Scary Thing That Sets You Free

    This is your sign to stop overthinking and do the thing—even if it scares the hell out of you. In this soul-led episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of launching something completely new: my business realignment sessions. After months of inner work, tough conversations, second-guessing, and stalling, I finally hit send on the email that made it all real—and I’m bringing you with me through that deeply human moment. This episode is for the woman who: Has been sitting on an idea that won’t leave her aloneIs hiding part of her gifts because they might feel “too much” for othersFeels called to evolve her business… but is terrified of what others might thinkNeeds a little courage to take the next step—even if she’s not sure where it leads We talk about: How I’ve secretly used energetics, intuition, and channeling in my agency for yearsWhy I finally decided to blend spiritual gifts into my work—out loud and unapologeticallyWhat it felt like to send the “this might change everything” emailReleasing the fear of what others think (even your friends or family)The power of just doing the uncomfortable thing Whether you're launching a new offer, shifting your identity, or simply feeling stuck in a season of waiting, this episode is your reminder: your next move doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be honest. 💡 Key Takeaways:Fear of judgment is real—but your light is stronger.You don’t have to keep your gifts separate. Integration is where alignment lives.The “big scary thing” is usually the door to everything you’re craving.You can evolve your business without starting over.When it’s time to move, MOVE—even if your voice shakes.🌀 Ready for Realignment?If you’re feeling off in your business, burnt out by your offers, or unsure how to integrate your deeper gifts—my new 1:1 Business Realignment Sessions are open. Come as you are. Bring it all. Let’s find what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 06/04/2025

    Burn the Balance: Reimagining Productivity, Peace & Presence in Motherhood and Business

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever been told you just need “better balance.” In this candid and energizing episode, we’re throwing out the myth of perfect balance and exploring what it really looks like to live, parent, and build a business from a place of peace, presence, and practicality. Inspired by a powerful conversation in her mastermind group, your host unpacks why traditional definitions of balance are setting us up for burnout—and what it means to replace that with intentional rhythms, flexible systems, and a little life-hacking along the way. Inside this episode, we talk about: The truth behind “balance” and why it doesn’t work (especially for moms)A powerful analogy for managing priorities without losing your mindLife hacks that actually bring peace (even if they look “lazy” from the outside)Why your inner critic is lying to you—and how to quiet itCreating a life your kids will want to emulate (not escape from)Practical, mindset-shifting examples of choosing joy over constant striving You’ll walk away from this episode feeling seen, understood, and ready to toss out the color-coded schedules in favor of something that truly works for you. 💡 Key Takeaways:You can’t boil every pot on the stove at the same time.Balance is seasonal, not static—and that’s a good thing.Life hacks aren’t lazy. They’re smart, sustainable, and sanity-saving.Peace is a better goal than perfection.Your childhood self deserves a life that feels joyful, not just productive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 05/28/2025

    Letting Go to Grow: The Truth About Firing Clients and Protecting Your Energy

    Firing a client is never easy—and if anyone tells you it is, they’re either lying or numb to the emotional toll it takes. In this episode, I’m getting deeply honest about one of the hardest parts of being a service-based business owner: knowing when it’s time to let go of a client… and actually doing it. Whether it’s energy drain, boundary breaches, or just a gut feeling that it’s no longer aligned, we unpack what to look for, what to ask yourself, and how to walk away with grace, clarity, and peace. Inside this episode, we talk about: How to know when it’s time to fire a client (even the “good” ones)Why letting go is essential to long-term alignment and business growthThe spiritual, emotional, and energetic weight of holding onto misaligned clientsHow to audit your pricing, boundaries, and client fit with honestyThe “client rating system” I’ve used—and why it’s about more than just moneyWhy we can’t people-please our way to sustainable success This is a compassionate, no-fluff conversation about the real stuff behind the scenes of a healthy business. If you're a heart-led service provider struggling to let go of someone who’s no longer a fit, this episode is the reminder that you’re allowed to choose you. 💡 Key Takeaways:You’re not a bad business owner for letting someone go—you’re a wise one.It’s okay to not be the right fit for someone anymore—and to say so with love.Energy leaks often start as subtle nudges. Listen before they roar.You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You were never meant to.Letting go creates space for better clients, aligned opportunities, and a lighter spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 05/21/2025

    The Sacred Art of Spaciousness: Reclaiming Time, Joy & Your Right to Breathe

    What would your life look like if you allowed yourself space—real space—to just exist, rest, and receive? In this cozy, coffee-in-hand conversation, I’m inviting you into a powerful reflection on spaciousness: the intentional pauses we’re often taught to avoid in motherhood, business, and everyday life. This episode is a love letter to women who are tired of earning rest, tired of performing for their worth, and ready to burn down the lie that we must always do more to deserve more. We talk about: The lie we’ve been told (and internalized) about "earning" spaciousnessRecognizing and breaking the default patterns that steal your time and energyLearning how to receive without guilt or apologyLetting go of hyper-productivity and embracing slower rhythmsHow your own joy and rest can ripple out into your family, business, and communityWhy giving yourself permission to pause invites others to do the sameThis episode will remind you that you don’t have to hustle harder to be worthy of peace—and that joy, rest, and play aren’t indulgent. They’re revolutionary. 💡 Key Takeaways:Spaciousness isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity.Your default patterns (like cleaning or caretaking) are not always truth-tellers.Modeling joy and rest teaches your children and partner to do the same.True rest doesn’t cost a dime—it just takes permission.You don’t have to fold the laundry to be a good mom or partner. You just have to be. This week, find just one hour that’s yours. Not for chores. Not for others. Just for you. Fill it with whatever brings you joy—and don’t apologize for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 05/14/2025

    Conquering Doubt: Navigating Disbelief from Others & Setting Boundaries

    In this episode, we dive deep into the tricky terrain of dealing with people who don’t believe in you—whether it’s family, friends, clients, or even other business owners. This is a topic close to my heart, one that I’ve faced head-on in my own journey. Over the years, I’ve learned how to handle the energy of people who doubt you, and in this episode, I share how to spot the signs and protect yourself from negativity that can stifle your growth. We talk about: The importance of setting strong boundaries in both personal and professional spacesHow disbelief from others is often rooted in their own insecurities and strugglesRecognizing toxic dynamics in your relationships and knowing when to walk awayNavigating clients who aren’t the right fit for your business and knowing when it’s time to part waysThe value of self-care and understanding that you can’t help others if you’re not helping yourselfBuilding a strong foundation with clients who align with your values and goalsThis episode is a powerful reminder to only surround yourself with people who lift you up—not those who hold you back. It’s okay to disappoint people when you’re staying true to yourself and your business vision. Trust your heart, set those boundaries, and walk away from the ones who just can’t believe in what you’re doing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

There are the things we say in the daylight. And then there are the things we only admit in the dark. Conversations in the Dark is a podcast about the thoughts, questions, ambitions, and uncomfortable truths we don’t always know how to say out loud. Hosted by Erica Vander Sande—entrepreneur, marketing agency owner, mom, and intuitive—this show goes into the places where business, motherhood, money, ambition, grief, spirituality, AI, and identity collide. Some conversations will be deeply personal. Some will challenge the way we’ve been taught to work, lead, parent, and define success. And some might make you think, Wait…are we allowed to say that? That’s probably the point. Because the conversations we whisper to our closest friends, think about at 2 a.m., or aren’t quite ready to say in the daylight are often the ones most worth having. No perfectly packaged answers. No pretending we’ve figured it all out. Just honest conversations about building businesses, raising humans, becoming ourselves—and questioning the rules along the way. The dark is just where the conversation begins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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