Gratitude Geek

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...

You can have a killer product and a beautiful website… and still lose thousands. In episode 272, I chat with Roger Pearson—an IRS Enrolled Agent with over 50 years of experience in business—about the most common (and costly) mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to finances, taxes, and business structure. Roger shares the three foundational pillars every small business needs to thrive and expl...

What if talking about death actually helped us live better? In episode 271 of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte sits down with Nikki Smith, an INELDA-certified death doula and grief coach, to explore the often-avoided topic of dying—and why it's time to stop pretending we’ll live forever. Nikki shares: How a death doula supports the dying and their loved ones What practical tools—lik...

Is your business stuck because of what you think you know? In episode 270 of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte sits down with entrepreneurship educator Andrew Frazier to explore the unpopular truths that small business owners need to hear. Andrew shares what thousands of coaching sessions have taught him about: Why not every business should scale The real reason your marketing isn’t...

AI and automation are game-changers, but they can feel a little... well, robotic. In episode 269, I sit down with strategic marketing expert Chris Troka to talk about how solopreneurs can automate workflows without losing the personal connection that makes small businesses thrive. Chris shares his journey from wedding DJ to automation expert and gives real-world advice on blending tech with heart....

What happens when you build a business that feels good? In episode 268, I sit down with intuitive healer and spiritual joy guide Kim Beam to explore how aligning your business with joy, gratitude, and purpose can lead to unexpected success and healing. Kim shares her journey from personal struggles to powerful breakthroughs, including how she turned pain into purpose and fear into flow. We talk ca...

In episode 267 of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, I interview Cam F. Awesome, a 12-time national boxing champion turned motivational speaker. Cam shares his journey from facing setbacks in the Olympic trials to embracing the mindset of a champion. We chat about the role of positive self-talk in overcoming challenges and building resilience—an essential skill for solopreneurs looking to grow their busi...

In episode 266, I chat with Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch, about what it really takes to grow a podcast—and a business—through guesting, hosting, and collaboration. We explore tools, monetization, content repurposing, and how community drives success in podcasting. 🎧 Full show notes: http://kandasrodarte.com/266 Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help yo...

Bestselling sci-fi author Joshua Dalzelle shares how he built a thriving publishing empire without a traditional deal—and what Gen X creators and solopreneurs can copy to own their audience, build recurring revenue, and create a second-act career on their own terms. 00:00 Introduction to Joshua Dalzelle 02:25 The Journey of Independent Publishing 04:47 Influences and Inspirations in Writing 05:53...

Nate Morse joins Kandas Rodarte on episode 264 of the Gratitude Geek Podcast to share how solopreneurs can turn LinkedIn connections into paying clients. Nate, a LinkedIn strategist and entrepreneur, explains how to move beyond job searching and use LinkedIn as a relationship-building tool. He breaks down the importance of optimizing your profile, building trust, and offering value before making a...

In episode 263, Kandas Rodarte sits down with Heather Edwards, founder of AhHa! Broadway, an arts education organization based in New York City. As part of Podcasthon 2025, an international week of podcasts promoting non-profits, Heather shares how AhHa! Broadway has adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its reach through successful online arts programs. They discuss the tr...

How to Stop Holding Yourself Back In this episode of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, Noah St. John, the "Father of Afformations®," reveals how to break free from "success anorexia" and rewire your brain for lasting success. Discover how to overcome self-limiting beliefs, the number one mistake entrepreneurs make, and actionable tips to create a mindset of abundance. Tune in to learn: Why you might be...

In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Michael V. Morgan, author of The Power of Networking, to discuss the essential strategies for building and maintaining meaningful professional connections. Whether you're a solopreneur, entrepreneur, or career professional, networking can open doors to new opportunities and long-term success. Michael shares actionable tips on leveraging relationsh...

What if the secret to business freedom wasn’t working harder, but working smarter? In episode 260 of Gratitude Geek, I chat with David Jenyns, founder of SYSTEMology, about the power of systems in business. David shares his seven-step process for systemization, explaining how small business owners can streamline operations, save time, and increase profits without unnecessary complexity. We discuss...

In this powerful episode, award-winning journalist and fantasy author Kristof Morrow shares his incredible journey of overcoming childhood trauma, living with Tourette’s syndrome, and finding success in writing, self-publishing, and viral marketing on TikTok. Kristof dives into his experiences in journalism, his transition into fantasy literature, and how he used social media to sell thousands of...

In episode 258 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Electra Govoni to uncover the biggest mistakes new business owners make—and how to sidestep them. From financial missteps to ineffective systems, Electra shares insights from her journey as a software engineer turned business coach. She dives into the importance of understanding net income, establishing strong foundational principles, and surroundi...

In episode 257 of Gratitude Geek, I’m honored to speak with Dr. Robert J. Wolf, author of Not a Real Enemy, whose powerful personal story offers profound lessons on resilience, gratitude, and the impact of history. Dr. Wolf, the son of a Holocaust survivor, shares insights on how remembering history and fighting against hate are crucial in today’s world. Key Takeaways: The Importance of History: D...