Crafted Connections

Katelyn Calhoun
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We talk to folks in our community about how they use storytelling to build their community 

  1. Episode 60: Why Your Insignificance is Your Superpower with Jennifer Magley

    6D AGO

    Episode 60: Why Your Insignificance is Your Superpower with Jennifer Magley

    Episode 60: Why Your Insignificance is Your Superpower with Jennifer Magley Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun There are people who talk about going for it. And then there are people who literally GO FOR IT. Because like my guest Jennifer Magley says, "People don't care if you win, they just want to see you try." Jennifer is a speaker, creator, and the kind of person who doesn't just dream big — she builds the infrastructure to get there. Dynamic, layered, and funny as hell, she has a presence that grabs you whether she's on a stage or in a video fully in character. This conversation is about Stage Quest — her second season of what she calls "quest" — where she set a goal of 100 speaking stages in 365 days. As of this episode, she's 50 stages in with under 200 days to go. But really, this episode is about what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start treating visibility like a practice. In this episode, we talk about: What Stage Quest actually is — and how it evolved from Season 1 (Stooge Quest) into something bigger and more intentionalThe pivotal health scare during Season 1 that shifted Jennifer's "why not me, why not now" into high gearHow she uses brand hacking and data-driven thinking to get in front of audiences who already love what she stands forThe "collecting no's" philosophy — and why more swings at the plate is always the moveWhat it looks like to build a community that shows up for you (aka the "ride at dawn" crew)How she invited her audience into Season 2 — and what that did for connection and momentumThe 1,000 true fans framework and why consistency over time is what makes the math workA few moments that stood out: Jennifer described her "unsubscribe" video — essentially inviting people who weren't her people to leave — and it hit differently. There's something so freeing about curating who's in your corner.The idea that the "throw up moments" (the ones that make you go, "oh God, what am I doing?") are actually the indicator that you've hit the mark. More chips in, more yourself you become."Why not me, why not now." Write it down. If this episode lit something up in you, send it to the friend who keeps saying they're "almost ready." They've been almost ready long enough. And if you want to follow Jennifer on this ride, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. She's so fun to keep up with. Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    58 min
  2. EP 59: SOLO - How Identity Shapes Your Story

    APR 23

    EP 59: SOLO - How Identity Shapes Your Story

    Episode 59: SOLO - How Identity Shapes Your Story Struggling to clearly communicate who you are or what you do? It might not be a content problem. It might be an identity problem. In this solo episode of Crafted Connections, Katelyn Calhoun explores how identity shapes your storytelling, personal brand, and the way you show up in your business and life. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are now and who you’re trying to become, this conversation will help you close that gap. Through personal stories and real-time reflection, Katelyn breaks down how to align your identity with your actions, recognize the version of yourself that already exists, and use that clarity to strengthen your message and deepen connection. This episode is especially relevant for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a season of transition. What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why identity is the foundation of effective storytelling and personal branding  How unclear identity leads to unclear messaging and missed connection  The difference between “becoming” someone and recognizing who you already are  A real example of imposter syndrome in creative work  How to bridge the gap between your current identity and future goals  Why flexibility in identity can create more opportunities in business and life  Practical questions to help you clarify your story and how you show upNeed Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    12 min
  3. EP 58: Navigating Identity and Change as a Creative with Caroline Calhoun

    APR 16

    EP 58: Navigating Identity and Change as a Creative with Caroline Calhoun

    Episode 58: Navigating Identity and Change as a Creative with Caroline Calhoun Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week’s episode is a special one. I’m sitting down with my sister, Caroline Calhoun. She is officially the guest on Crafted Connections that I’ve known the longest and someone I deeply admire. Caroline is in the middle of a brave, real-life transition. She’s moving across the country to Seattle and stepping into a new chapter professionally. What unfolds in this conversation is honest, layered, and a pinch of silliness among sisters. We talk about what it looks like to build a life rooted in creativity, and what happens when that path no longer feels aligned. We dig into the courage it takes to step away from something you once thought would be “the thing.” This is a conversation about evolving. About trusting yourself. About letting chapters change, even when it’s uncomfortable. And because we’re sisters, it’s also filled with laughter, shared memories, and a few chaotic tangents along the way. In this episode, we talk about: Caroline’s journey through music, music therapy, and where things started to shiftThe reality of burnout in helping professions and the emotional weight that comes with itWhat it feels like to step away from a career path you’ve invested years intoIdentity, grief, and the process of redefining yourself in your 20sThe difference between what looks good on paper and what actually feels right in your bodyLearning to trust your intuition (and what happens when you ignore it for too long)Creating a life that supports how your brain actually worksThe beauty of starting fresh and building something new on your own termsA few moments that stuck with me: Realizing that choosing something “logical” doesn’t always mean it’s the right emotional choiceThe quiet grief of missed experiences and imagined timelinesHow deeply we can tie our identity to the work we doThe reminder that stepping away isn’t failure...it’s alignmentIf this episode resonates… Send it to a friend who’s in a season of change. Or someone who might need permission to pivot, pause, or start over. And if you’re navigating something similar yourself, just know - you’re not behind. You’re in process. Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    56 min
  4. EP 57: SOLO - Reflecting on One Year of Crafted Connections

    APR 9

    EP 57: SOLO - Reflecting on One Year of Crafted Connections

    Episode 57: SOLO - Reflecting on One Year of Crafted Connections Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week on Crafted Connections, I’m celebrating something that feels big: one full year of the podcast. What started as an idea I had been sitting on for years officially came to life on April 1st, 2025 and somehow, here we are, 50+ episodes later. In this solo episode, I take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate not just the podcast itself, but what it represents: showing up, staying consistent, and allowing something to evolve over time. This episode is also a reminder to celebrate yourself. Not only the big milestones, but every time you show up, invest in yourself, and put something into the world. What I’ve Loved Most This Year: The opportunity to talk to my friends This podcast has been a way to bring together incredible humans from all corners of my life. Crafted Connections guests range different industries, different experiences, all connected by curiosity and humanity. It’s been so fun to deepen those relationships and share them with you. An outlet for expression From solo episodes to interviews, this space has allowed me to share my thoughts, tell stories, explore ideas, and connect more deeply with both guests and listeners. It’s become a place where I get to fully be myself.  Proving to myself that I can stay consistent Over 50 episodes later, I’ve shown myself that I can commit to a creative project - even when life gets messy and things aren’t perfect. And that kind of self-trust? It changes everything. This podcast has also done something I didn’t fully expect: It brought me back to my creativity. After a few tough years that left me feeling disconnected from creating, Crafted Connections became a way back in. I've reconnected with what I love most: storytelling and human connection. And through that process, it’s opened doors. Opportunities. Conversations. Possibilities. I'm flipping pumped about what's to come. If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s this: You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You just have to start… and keep going. Thank You If you’ve listened to one episode, shared it with a friend, or been along for the full journey...thank you. I’m so grateful you’re here. And I’m really excited to keep going. Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    11 min
  5. EP 56: Fidelity to Your Craft with Jerald Harkness

    APR 2

    EP 56: Fidelity to Your Craft with Jerald Harkness

    Episode 56: Fidelity to Your Craft with Jerald Harkness  Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week on Crafted Connections, I'm joined by filmmaker, mentor, and dear friend Jerald Harkness — someone who has spent over 30 years building a career in storytelling. Jerald and I first connected on LinkedIn in 2022, and what started as a generous outreach became one of the most meaningful professional relationships in my life. In this conversation, you'll hear that dynamic unfold — mutual respect, curiosity, and a shared love for storytelling as a vehicle for connection. We talk about what it actually looks like to sustain a creative career over decades — not just creatively, but strategically. Because while storytelling is an art, Jerald reminds us that if you want to do this work long-term, you have to treat it like a business. From his early days in filmmaking to producing his first feature at 21, Jerald shares what it takes to build something that lasts. We get into distribution, collaboration, and the reality that great work alone isn't enough — it has to be seen. We also explore the nuance of creative roles — directing, producing, editing — and what it means to hold "fidelity to the narrative" and truly serve the story. And maybe the most grounded takeaway: you can know the statistics are stacked against you… and still strategically go for it anyway. What You'll Hear: Building a 30+ year career in filmmakingHow one LinkedIn message turned into mentorship and collaborationDocumentary storytelling as a tool for connection and communityThe difference between creating art and running a sustainable businessWhy distribution matters — great work can't sit on a hard driveBalancing creativity with strategy, money, and long-term thinking"Fidelity to the narrative. Fidelity to the budget."Choosing the right collaborators and trusting your gutWhy taking yourself seriously is essential to making this your livelihoodKnowing the statistics and choosing to become the outlier anywayThis episode is a reminder that meaningful careers aren't built overnight — they're built through consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to keep showing up. Connect with Jerald: Instagram Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    51 min
  6. EP 55: Meet Me in My Mess: The CEO Support Role with Jill Neuhaus

    MAR 26

    EP 55: Meet Me in My Mess: The CEO Support Role with Jill Neuhaus

    Episode 55: Meet Me in My Mess: The CEO Support Role with Jill Neuhaus Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week on Crafted Connections, I'm joined by someone who started as a stranger on the internet and became one of my closest business besties... Jill Neuhaus! We met through a content creation group and connected over a vulnerable LinkedIn post about wanting to make real friends, and have since spent hundreds of hours together in daily co-working sessions. Knowing Jill has emphasized to me the importance of making friends with strangers on the internet. Jill has a rich and winding path: nonprofit development work at animal shelters, becoming a virtual assistant and executive support specialist for small business CEOs, and now expanding into LinkedIn strategy and AI integration. She is a connector, a supporter, and someone whose energy makes you feel so safe you just. keep. talking. We dig into what it means to be the person behind the CEO, the loneliness of entrepreneurship, the magic of body doubling, what makes a great support role, and the complicated feelings that come with building and rebuilding teams. Plus: Jill's AI wins and why personal brand is outpacing business brand for making real connections. What You'll Hear in This Episode: 🤝 How they met through Content Club and co-working  🐾 Jill's nonprofit and fundraising background  💼 What the executive support role for small business CEOs really looks like  🧠 Body doubling, parallel play, and why co-working works  😤 The loneliness of entrepreneurship and finding your people  📋 What makes a support role different from just "having help"  🤖 Jill's AI wins and new tools she's integrating  📣 Why personal brand now outpaces business brand for real connection  💬 The courage it takes to post "I want friends" Connect with Jill: LinkedIn Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    1h 1m
  7. EP 54: SOLO - Building a Brand Ecosystem

    MAR 19

    EP 54: SOLO - Building a Brand Ecosystem

    Episode 54: SOLO - Building a Brand Ecosystem Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week on Crafted Connections, I’m sharing something I’ve been actively navigating in real time: what it looks like to build a brand ecosystem instead of forcing yourself into a neat, tidy box. This episode starts with a simple moment — a DM conversation with a friend where I admitted that everything I’m working on feels like a bunch of puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit yet. Her response stopped me in my tracks: What if the final image is bigger than you can even imagine? And that’s the thread we follow throughout this conversation. Because if you’re anything like me — multi-passionate, curious, building a lot of things at once — you’ve probably felt the pressure to “make it make sense” before you share it. To niche down. To package it perfectly. But what if the mess isn’t the problem? What if the work is actually to keep showing up in process? In this solo episode, I break down what I mean by a brand ecosystem — a way of showing up that allows all the different parts of you to exist, evolve, and even contradict each other a little bit. From this podcast, to daily vlogs, to life on a boat, to client work — I share how each piece plays a role in expressing who I am, even when the full picture isn’t clear yet. We also talk about the tension of being in a “mid-career” moment — where you’ve gained experience (and a few scars), but you’re still figuring out what’s next. And how trying to rush clarity can actually disconnect you from the very people you’re trying to reach. Because here’s the truth: Your story doesn’t need to be finished to be worth sharing. And waiting until it’s perfect might be costing you connection. This episode is your permission slip to stop forcing it to make sense — and start trusting that the picture will come together as you keep going. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🧩 Why your “too many puzzle pieces” might actually be a good thing  🌱 What a brand ecosystem is — and how it replaces the pressure to niche down  🎙️ How different platforms (podcast, social, video) can hold different parts of you  🔁 Why iteration — not clarity — is the real path forward  💬 The problem with over-rehearsed storytelling (and what to do instead)  ⚖️ Navigating the tension between early optimism and lived experience  🚫 How perfectionism quietly blocks connection  ✨ Why sharing in-process is more powerful than presenting a finished version  🔥 “Joy is data” — and how to follow what’s actually lighting you up  🧭 A reframe to help you trust that the bigger picture is still unfolding Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    19 min
  8. EP 53: A Whole Lot of Stories from the Video Industry with Keith Toombs & Matthew Brown

    MAR 12

    EP 53: A Whole Lot of Stories from the Video Industry with Keith Toombs & Matthew Brown

    Episode 53: A Whole Lot of Stories from the Video Industry with Keith Toombs & Matthew BrownHosted by Katelyn Calhoun This week on Crafted Connections, I'm doing something a little different — and honestly, a little experimental. I brought two guests to the table for the very first time: Keith Toombs and Matthew Brown, two production professionals I've had the pleasure of working alongside in the field. What started as a post-job celebration turned into a podcast invitation. And when Matthew said he wouldn't come on without Keith? Well, we just made it a trio. Keith has been in the industry for nearly 30 years. Matthew, about five. And I fall somewhere happily in between. Together, we explored what it means to build a career in a creative, demanding field — and what it means to remain a full human being while doing it. We talked cameras. We talked travel. We talked about the gap between the life you imagine and the life you actually build. And we also covered mental health, anxiety, and the tools that have actually helped each of us navigate the harder seasons. Keith closed us out with a question that stopped everyone in their tracks: not "what's your wildest dream?" but something more grounded and more honest — what would you do right now, realistically, if you could do anything within the life you've already built? It's one of those questions that sounds simple until you're actually sitting with it. These guys are some of the best humans I know, and this conversation is proof of that. What You'll Hear in This Episode 🎥 How Keith and Matthew each found their way into production — and the unexpected paths that got them there  📷 How camera technology has changed the industry and democratized who gets to tell stories  ✈️ What work travel really looks like — and how to stay connected to the people you love back home  🧠 An honest conversation about anxiety, mental health, and the tools that actually help  🌊 Dreams vs. reality — and the question Keith asks that will stick with you long after this episode ends  One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how real it gets. There's no perfectly packaged advice. No tidy takeaways wrapped in a bow. Just three people in production who love their craft, have lived some hard seasons, and have figured out — slowly, imperfectly — how to keep going. If you've ever felt like your anxiety lives more in imagined futures than real ones… If you've ever wondered whether you're actually moving toward your dreams or just talking about them… If you need a reminder that showing up honestly is always enough… This episode is for you. Connect with Keith & Matthew 🌐 Keith Toombs - Songbirdmediagroup.com  📲 Matthew Brown - Google "Matthew Brown" Need Help Clarifying Your Story? Story Strategy Sessions are designed to help you uncover your narrative, refine your messaging, and build a visibility strategy that actually feels like you. 🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off: https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session Join the Conversation 📲 Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod 📬 DM me and tell me—what format makes you come alive when you communicate? Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate. 🌟 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Keep creating. Keep connecting.

    1h 26m
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

We talk to folks in our community about how they use storytelling to build their community 

Information

  • Creator
    Katelyn Calhoun
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Crafted Connections
  • Show Website
    Crafted Connections

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