Kat Oldershaw and Ellen Hockley
Good Ideas + Bad Decisions
Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions! Let’s be real - it’s the perfect name for a show hosted by two business owners who have absolutely made both. Between us, we’ve started businesses, burned out, bounced back, and helped other entrepreneurs do the same. We’re here to talk about the messy middle of running a business - entrepreneurship, mental health, and the chaos that comes with making your own path. Join your hosts Ellen and Kat as we candidly share our experiences, answer your burning business questions, and welcome other owners into our emotional support business club.
Author
Kat Oldershaw and Ellen Hockley
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 3, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 013 09.01.2026 22:28
In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat discuss the daily challenges of business and home life. Ellen shares a story about a kitchen repair that disrupted meal prep, while Kat deals with a laundry mishap. Ellen then recounts a nightmare Airbnb guest experience over Thanksgiving that involved broken toilets and aggressive demands. They wrap up with a business Q&a...
S1 E19: Advocating for Personal Growth through Executive Coaching with Rikki Goldenberg 02.01.2026 54:29
In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen dive into the complexities of entrepreneurship and mental health with guest Rikki Goldenberg, an executive leadership and career coach. They discuss the fluid dynamics of small business ownership, the unexpected pivot points that can occur, and how Rikki transitioned into coaching. The conversation covers the essential role of co...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 012 26.12.2025 19:41
In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts share post-Halloween antics ranging from adorable firefighter tots to spooky hideouts from candy-seeking kids. The conversation then shifts to the 'great email signature debate,' as both hosts discuss the elements they believe make up the perfect professional sign-off, including logos, titles, and those ever-important...
S1 E18: Demystifying Entrepreneurship with Brian Lofrumento 19.12.2025 50:48
In this episode of Good Ideas + Bad Decisions, hosts Ellen and Kat dive into the journey of Brian Lofrumento, the host of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur podcast. Brian shares his inspiring entrepreneurial story, from starting a soccer blog in college that grew rapidly to managing a successful marketing agency and ultimately transitioning to podcasting. They discuss the challenges of running a p...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 011 12.12.2025 21:46
In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss their weekend activities, including headshot sessions and family photo shoots. They also dive into the topic of networking and community building, sharing their own experiences and tips for finding and creating supportive business communities. Kat plans to explore local small-town networking opportunities, while Ellen...
S1 E17: Navigating Money Mindsets & Financial Freedom with Melissa Mittelstaedt 05.12.2025 48:27
In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions', co-hosts Ellen and Kat explore the messy middle of running a business with financial consultant Melissa Mittelstaedt. Melissa discusses the importance of getting 'comfy' with money, shedding light on scarcity vs. abundance mindsets, and the often complex relationship between personal and business finances. They dive into practical advice for solopre...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 010 28.11.2025 19:34
In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' the hosts start with a light-hearted conversation about the gloomy weather and nostalgic memories of school mornings. They humorously discuss spooky Halloween decorations and the quirks of self-driving cars. The core topic of the episode is a thoughtful discussion on business transitions, focusing on how to determine if your business is...
S1 E16: Mastering Business Marketing and SEO with Amanda Kern 21.11.2025 45:57
Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions'! This week, co-hosts Ellen and Kat dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship with special guest Amanda Kern, founder of Emerald Creative Content, a boutique digital marketing agency specializing in SEO. Amanda shares the nuances of starting and scaling her business, the importance of SEO and GEO (Generative Engin...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 009 14.11.2025 23:41
In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss their weekends, the never-ending tasks of entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges faced by business owners. They touch on the differences between the work-life balance of entrepreneurs and nine-to-five employees. The episode wraps up with discussions on year-end reviews, business goals, refreshing services, and the...
S1 E15: Unpacking Small Business Operations with Jessica Murray from Empower 07.11.2025 45:08
In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' your hosts Kat and Ellen dive into the unpredictable journey of business ownership, mental health, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship. They welcome Jessica Murray, founder of Empower, who specializes in helping emerging business owners streamline operations and remove bottlenecks. Jessica shares insights into her work with startups, discussi...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 008 31.10.2025 23:33
In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' hosts Ellen and Kat delve into the delightful mix of personal anecdotes and business musings. The chat kicks off with Ellen sharing her enchanting custom necklace story, crafted by a long-time friend and jeweler in Jersey City. Kat and Ellen then trade tales of their weekend escapades: Ellen’s family mountain trip and farmer's marke...
S1 E14: Exploring Life's Transitions with Ari Rodriguez of Seekr Wellness 24.10.2025 53:06
In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat are joined by special guest Ari Rodriguez, co-founder of Seekr Wellness. We dive into the complexities of running a business, mental health, and the importance of community. Ari shares her journey from being a dietician to co-founding Seekr Wellness, a tech business aimed at supporting professional women through life transitions....
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 007 17.10.2025 21:09
Welcome to Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat, a lively discussion where the hosts share the ups and downs of their weekends. Ellen talks about her surprise picnic in Central Park, complete with a delightful catered meal and unexpected roadblocks in the form of Global Citizen Fest. Kat shares about her serene Sunday filled with reading and peaceful ambient sounds. Then, they dive into the business qu...
S1 E13: Scaling Your Business while maintaining Human-Centric Values with Lindsay Ruiz 10.10.2025 51:30
Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions'! This week, Kat and Ellen dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship with special guest Lindsay Ruiz, founder of Human as Usual. Join us as Lindsay discusses the chaos of scaling a business, the importance of maintaining human-centric values, and how she’s translating her 20-year career in organizational transform...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 006 03.10.2025 21:48
In this mini-episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss the daily challenges of their businesses, sleep woes, parenting, and pet care issues. Then, they dive into the main topic: knowing when to outsource or ask for help in your business. Ellen and Kat talk about the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of hiring help, whether it's an accountant, marketing...
S1 E12: Navigating Entrepreneurship through HR Solutions with Morgan Montgomery-Rice 26.09.2025 49:34
Welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions.' This episode is hosted solely by Kat, as Ellen takes a break for some family time. Kat is joined by Morgan Montgomery-Rice, the founder of Bloom Bridge Advisors, who shares her journey through the HR and startup space. They discuss the messy middle of running a business, entrepreneurship, mental health, and the patterns that hold us b...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 005 19.09.2025 21:01
In this mini episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts chat about Kat's new office space and the minor anxieties of setting up a new home. Ellen talks about the challenges of cleaning air conditioning ducts and the state of their home appliances. They delve into the ongoing process of moving, unpacking art, and the realities of suburban life with multiple refrigerators. Our business...
S1 E11: Unlocking Your Pleasure and Intimacy with Angie Enger 12.09.2025 50:44
In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen are joined by Angie Enger, a sex and self-intimacy coach who shares her unique journey to becoming a coach and the importance of reclaiming pleasure in one's life. Angie dives deep into topics of responsive desire, the significance of individual self-intimacy, and practical tips for couples struggling with connection. Kat and E...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 004 05.09.2025 19:42
In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts dive into the relatable chaos and quirks of everyday life. Ellen shares the morning mishap of forgetting her kid's sleep mat for camp, while Kat recounts the hectic packing process for an upcoming move. They then segue into travel plans, with Ellen detailing an upcoming massive family trip and Kat preparing for a Midwest a...
S1 E10: Empowering Your Inner Creative - Transformational Coaching with Tracy Candido 29.08.2025 56:29
In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Tracy Candido, owner of Wavemaker Coaching and the newly launched podcast 'Hidden Parts.' Together, they highlight the unique struggles and strengths of creative minds and how executive and transformational coaching can help these individuals unlock their full potential. Tracy shares her powerful method of parts work, a...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 003 22.08.2025 23:09
Welcome to another delightful mini episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat', part of their 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions' podcast! In this lively session, Ellen and Kat dive into their personal daily rituals and business ins-and-outs. They share laughter over quirky breakfast habits, cute kid anecdotes, and the ubiquitous challenge of task management. Tune in to hear Ellen rave...
S1 E9: Embracing Change, Uncertainty, and Growth with Bekah Burns 15.08.2025 46:52
In this insightful episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat sit down with Bekah Burns, the owner of Rebekah Burns Coaching. Bekah shares her journey from working in the wine industry to becoming a certified Life Coach. The discussion delves into the importance of listening to one's body, adapting to change, and the influence of holistic health on overall well-being. Bekah intro...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 002 08.08.2025 21:21
In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat dive into personal updates and professional reflections. Kat shares exciting news about an upcoming move to a dream house she manifested, complete with vintage charm and ample space for both her and her partner's needs. The hosts also engage in a candid discussion about the lessons they've learned through their e...
S1 E8: Embracing Questions - A Journey Through Business and Personal Growth with Chedva Ludmir 01.08.2025 57:49
In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' host Ellen flies solo as Kat is out sick but joining in spirit. Ellen welcomes Chedva, lovingly known as Vivi, the CEO and founder of a consultancy, Consider. Vivi dives into her story of transitioning from her Orthodox Jewish upbringing to becoming a transformative entrepreneur. She discusses her ventures from running a marketing agency to establ...
Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat: Episode 001 25.07.2025 20:58
In this first episode of Coffee Chats, a mini-series by Ellen and Kat, the duo recounts their recent experiences, including Ellen's turbulent vacation return from Colorado and adjusting to a new recording schedule. They discuss the creation of the mini-series to bring back personal connection and behind-the-scenes stories. The episode also tackles the topic of cancellation policies for client-...
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