Gratitude Geek

Self-care is not selfish and thanking yourself is essential for Gen X women. Licensed massage therapist Christie Going joins Kandas Rodarte to discuss why women struggle with self-gratitude, how to thank yourself daily, and practical self-care tips including their 30-day fitness challenge, hydration hacks, and why Snoop Dogg's "I want to thank myself" moment matters. What You'll Learn: Why self-ca...

How to overcome stage fright as a woman entrepreneur and leader. Speaker and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson shares her 3-step framework (relax, relate, release) to help introverted women leaders conquer public speaking anxiety and step into their power on stage with confidence. In episode 296 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Mahlena-Rae Johnson—speaker, comedian, 6-time author, and self-proclaimed "...

What if you could prevent breast cancer before it starts? And what if you could turn that journey—plus divorce and life's biggest challenges—into comedy gold? Comedian Merit Kahn joins host Kandas Rodarte to share her powerful story as a BRCA1 previvor who chose preventative mastectomy at age 40. Merit transformed her experience into a one-woman comedy show called "Optimistic Personality Disorder"...

In episode 294, I chat with Deb Davis, breast cancer thriver and author of "The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal," about healing, transparency, and self-advocacy. Deb shares her journey through abuse, breast cancer recovery, and the power of breaking silence. Together they explore three game-changing self-care practices, why transparency matters more than perfection, and how to truly support...

When you're diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will tell you about chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. But what about the complementary therapies that could help you manage side effects, reduce pain, and heal more completely? In this revealing conversation, Kandas sits down with licensed massage therapist and reflexologist Christie Going to discuss the holistic modalities that most doctors n...

What happens when you choose the harder path? Award-winning writer Erica Neubert Campbell shares her transformative breast cancer journey with host Kandas Rodarte in this powerful October breast cancer awareness episode. After watching her mother battle and lose her fight with breast cancer, Erica faced her own diagnosis with hard-won wisdom—choosing a double mastectomy over the easier lumpectomy...

Join us in this inspiring episode featuring Luba Patlakh, the Founder & Director of Kidology, Inc. As a resilient entrepreneur, Luba shares her remarkable journey from Manhattan broadcast journalism to establishing a thriving pediatric speech therapy practice. Discover how resilience is not just a personal trait, but a pivotal entrepreneurial superpower that shapes extraordinary businesses. Luba's...

LEGO isn’t just child’s play—it’s a tool for curiosity, confidence, and connection. In episode 290 of Gratitude Geek, host Kandas Rodarte sits down with Eric Archer, a middle school history teacher, lifelong LEGO builder, and dad of four, to explore how creativity with bricks shapes problem-solving skills and family bonding. From LEGO’s new “She Built That” campaign to conventions like Brick World...

Podcasting can feel scary, exciting, and life-changing all at once. On episode 289 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Alesia Galati of Galati Media, who helps women entrepreneurs find their voice and share it with the world. We get real about imposter syndrome, explore how gratitude and connection sustain a podcasting journey, and celebrate marginalized voices in literature. If you're a Gen X woma...

What if your darkest chapter became the foundation for your greatest success? In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte sits down with Lydia Knight, a cult survivor who rewrote her life and rose to become a 7-figure CEO and executive coach. Lydia shares how she transformed indoctrination into empowerment, why curiosity is more powerful than fear, and how the “algorithms” of our brains shap...

Running your own business is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and sometimes downright soul-sucking. In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I chat with three powerhouse solopreneurs—Deb Davis, Nicole Halveka, and Di Hilstad—about survival-level self-care strategies for women over 40. From setting boundaries and asking for help to creating your personal “Survivor’s...

Is money really the measure of success—or is joy the real currency of entrepreneurship? In episode 286 of Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte talks with Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. After surviving a mental health crisis, Gretchen rebuilt her life and business from the ground up....

In this solo episode of Gratitude Geek, I tackle a controversial claim about artificial intelligence: “The underlying purpose of AI is to allow wealth to access skill while removing from the skilled the ability to access wealth.” – @jeffowski I call BS. Instead, I share how AI actually levels the playing field and helps solopreneurs like me grow their businesses. You’ll hear how I use three powerf...

Are you missing out on clients because you’re not telling your story? In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte talks with Robert B. Foster—speaker, coach, and author of Shut Up and Grind—about the power of storytelling to grow your business and boost your confidence. Robert shares how to turn your life lessons into your most valuable marketing tool, connect authentically with clients, and...

Franchising isn't just for big corporations—it's a growth strategy female solopreneurs can use to scale smart and with heart. In episode 283 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with franchise strategist and connector Brittney Lincoln, founder of Females in Franchising and VP at Limitless Franchise Growth. We dig into what makes a business franchisable, how to scale without burning out, and why helping o...

Struggling with self-doubt as a solopreneur? Self-trust coach Dawn Ledet reveals how your mindset, inner dialogue, and follow-through skills can unlock success after 40. So many female entrepreneurs over 40 are held back not by lack of talent or hustle—but by self-doubt and second-guessing. In this episode, self-trust coach Dawn Ledet shares how your inner dialogue can become your biggest asset (i...

What happens when cancer crashes into your life and your livelihood? In episode 281 of the Gratitude Geek podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and cancer thriver Deb Krier for a candid conversation about living with Stage 4 breast cancer while still showing up for your clients, your business, and yourself. Deb and I skip the glossy “fight hard” clichés. We talk about the real stuff: nerve damage,...

What if joy isn’t a fleeting feeling but the ultimate business strategy? In episode 280, Air Force veteran, mental health advocate, and transformational leader Kimberly Mitchell — known as the "Joy Warrior" — shares her Journey to Joy System. Kimberly reveals how healing your inner world and rewriting limiting beliefs can unlock unstoppable success in life and business. We explore why so many wome...

In this powerful episode of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Ahuva Gruen — a fractional CFO (that’s Chief Financial Officer, your business’s financial brain!) and financial clarity coach for small businesses. We break down why clarity, not just cash, is the real secret weapon for solopreneurs. Ahuva shares her journey from childhood wig sales and candy hustles to becoming a trusted CFO for growing...

Telling your business story on TV isn't just about publicity — it’s about creating a legacy. In this powerful episode, Emmy Award-winning journalist and media strategist Michelle Rupp joins me to break down how to leverage your story to gain earned media, build trust, and create real community change. We unpack Michelle's own experience of televising her heart surgery, why women’s health stories n...

What happens when you pivot careers after 40 and land your dream gig? Paul Heitsch knows. A former composer and sound engineer, Paul stepped into audiobook narration later in life—and now he’s narrated over 380 titles, including the Omega Force sci-fi series by Joshua Dalzelle (episode 265). In this candid conversation, Paul shares how he built a thriving voiceover business in his second act, what...

Jeff Pearson looks perfectly healthy—but his brain tells a very different story. In episode 276 of Gratitude Geek, host Kandas Rodarte chats with Jeff, a speaker, nonprofit founder, and host of Invisible Condition on e360tv. Born with hydrocephalus, Jeff has endured seven brain surgeries, six of them in just over a decade. But instead of giving up, he and his wife launched a nonprofit, a TV show,...

In this emotionally grounding episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte welcomes back author and mindset coach Fletcher Ellingson to explore how we can build emotional resilience in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. We dive into Fletcher’s signature framework from his book The Practice of Feeling Good — and unpack how fear is often just a story. Fletcher shares how to identify the root of t...

Are you a Gen X woman solopreneur looking to stand out in 2025? Discover how video can transform your business, build real connections, and help you shine in a crowded market—no matter what you’ve overcome. Jason Zygadlo joins me for episode 274 of Gratitude Geek to explore the power of personalized video, authentic branding, and how his nonprofit ZIGGYSTRONG supports people navigating grief and a...

Most YouTube advice is built for 20-something creators, not Gen X women running real businesses. In episode 273, YouTube strategist Jake Thomas breaks down why 99% of creators fail and how Gen X women solopreneurs can grow channels that drive leads, not just views. 0:00 – Why YouTube Titles Matter More Than You Think 2:30 – How Jake Became the “Title Whisperer” 5:20 – What YouTube Metrics Actually...