Permission to Kick Ass

It’s funny how often parental status makes its way into business conversations. I think colleagues ask about my baby-making plans about as much as my grandma does. With family and business so deeply tied to our identities, how to you put it all into perspective? How do you find the balance? We talk about all this (and more) in today’s episode. Plus, BONUS: can you tell how many times we default to...

I remember the first time Kev asked me to perform on stage. And let me be clear – he didn’t ask me to speak, he asked me to SING. That triggered a whole ‘nother level of freak out, but I made myself say yes and the rest is history – to this day folks in the industry talk about that first performance I did in front of my colleagues. That’s why I love that I got to talk to Kev about what it takes to...

I love this episode for multiple reasons – it’s like a crash course in quitting. We start with all the reasons to leave (along with all the fears likely to keep you stuck in a dead-end job). Then we dig deep into the realities of working with clients in different capacities (including on retainer). And we end with money talk: how to confidently walk away from a project, what to do when all your bu...

Confession time: I met Raven in person for the first time when I was in Memphis earlier this year, and it was foodie love at first site. We spent a lot of time talking clients, life, and business over brunch and brews… and it got SO damn good I basically strong-armed her into coming on the show. When you listen to this one you’ll get why – she’s so insightful, she’s gonna have you looking at your...

So hey… ever been afraid to put something out there into the world? That’s exactly what happened to me in starting this podcast. Every time I started working on it, the head trash would creep in and send me down an anxiety spiral. I’m so glad I had Brian as my coach – the show might not exist at all without him! Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode: When the ass kicker becomes the ass kickee: how...

I’ve been writing for more than ten years at this point – and it’s not often I meet someone who’s written a hell of a lot more than me. My friend Justin Blackman blows my writerly ambitions out of the water with just one brain-bending project: 100 headlines in 100 days. You’d think someone with that kind of cranking capability would never have a down day. That’s why I love Justin’s story of overco...

I met Monika not too long ago and we hit it off hardcore. I think when you hear this episode you’ll understand exactly why… where most would talk about home being where “the heart is,” Monika’s take is home is where you can get naked and weird. She has a unique perspective as an outsider coming into a brand new industry, and I think you’re gonna get a lot out of it. Can’t-Miss Moments From This Ep...

I don’t know how else to describe this episode other than “fun”. I certainly didn’t expect to riff like we did, about so many different topics. Jimmy, who when asked to provide a bio, first submitted “I am Batman!”, requires quotes over an explanation… Out of Context Quotes from this Episode: “The reason why that's true is because I made it up.”   “My parents were understandably pissed becaus...

Robert and I have been working together awhile now, but I remember back when we first met and he was an eager new writer looking for an opportunity. By the time I saw his work, he was already pretty damn good… and in this episode he shares his journey to becoming one of my go-to writers. This one’s for every creative person out there wondering if they’re good enough (spoiler alert: I already know...

Nicole’s story hits me in the feels in so many ways - not just because we both have a major breakup-in-the-midst-of-a-big-business-shift story, but also because of how she adjusted the attitude to one of winning. Life throws curveballs and catastrophes at us all the time, but how you move forward is all in how you react. I really think you’re gonna dig this episode. Can’t-Miss Moments From This Ep...

Patrick is a straight shooter, and that’s one of the things I really appreciate about him. In this episode he breaks down what he learned from going through a lawsuit at the same moment most of his clients backed off business spending. We crack a lot of jokes (and do a lot of silly accents) in this one, but if nothing else I hope it shows you the power of focusing on the right things, and preparin...

I’ve never really thought of myself as the star of my own life story. Star in a rock band? Absolutely. But I never really thought of my life as a movie until this conversation with my friend Alix Penning. It might seem a little diva-esque or egomaniacal to think of yourself in this manner, but trust me… you’re gonna want to give it a try after you listen to this one. Can’t-Miss Moments From This E...

Kim Krause Schwalm is one of my copywriting heroes, and true to the final line in this episode, talking to her gets me all kinds of fired up and feisty in the BEST possible way. Today we’re talking about some big mistakes many freelancers make when landing their first clients, and how it robs you of your power, leading to frustration and burnout.  Look, if you’ve struggled to communicate with clie...

Carolynn Ananian and I have been friends (and colleagues) for awhile. And each of us has gone through the whole “I suck at being a business owner ‘cause I’m over here working for THE MAN” phase of self-torment. But at some point we both realized that taking a job can actually be an advantage for a creative entrepreneur. Listen now to get the full story! Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode: Not su...

The beauty about becoming a freelancer is it’s so low overhead - just you and a laptop against the world! But eventually, playing outside your sandbox has a way of getting to you. By that, I mean wearing every hat a business owner has to wear… salesperson, accountant, customer service, maybe even IT. That cuts the creative time in more than half - and wasn’t getting paid to be creative the whole p...

I met Alison when we were both floating around the “launch” world in internet marketing. I didn’t know what she did at first but I knew she was here to bring her “A game” - ‘cause Alison’s in Brisbane, Australia… and I noticed I’d see her on every call I was on, no matter the time, day or night. She’s a gaht damn superhero whose determination to help small business makes me swoon. I think you’re r...

It's not often you have the chance to train someone and then later work for them. That's exactly what happened with me and today's guest, Chris Orzechowski. I once trained him as a member of Jeff Walker's copy team, and when he eventually started his own agency, he brought me on board to train his writers.  Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode: He prepared for six months only t...

Since we first met a few years back, Cathy’s expanded into sewing for costuming and period dress… and she brings her own unique flair to everything she does. Every time she enters the room, people take notice. Could be the top hat, could be the flowing skirts or tailored jacket. She radiates style and total comfort in who she’s evolved to be and I LOVE everything about it. Can’t-Miss Moments From...

Today I’m stoked to introduce you to the inspiration behind my entire entrepreneurial journey (and the source of the majority of my sass, though she may deny it)... my mom! And today’s her birthday - which was the driving force behind the podcast launch happening now. It’s a celebration of all that she’s taught me, just by sheer persistence and refusal to give up. Now she’s hitting her stride and...

When the idea of doing this podcast first crossed my mind, Rachel graciously let me “practice” on her, and our episode (my very first episode) turned out AMAZING. We managed to get super deep in a short amount of time - and it turns out both of us have made tremendous leaps in our careers by “saying yes” and then turning to our old trusty friend, Google, to help us figure out potential solutions t...

The first episodes drop March 8, 2021. Be the first to find out when we're live - sign up for the waitlist at https://permissiontokickass.com/ . Support the show Let's collab: Book a chat Work with Angie Get the PTKA book Let's connect: Angie’s FB Page Angie on IG Angie on YT If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the prod...