The Life-First Solopreneur (formerly The Aspiring Solopreneur)

Feeling lost trying to "find your passion"? You're not alone—and maybe that's not even the right thing to be chasing! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Davis, creator of the Genius Code , to uncover why passion fades, purpose sticks, and how true inspiration can unlock the life and business you were meant to build. (Warning: you might get a little teary in the best way possible.) If...

If you're still getting your business advice from that one guy on LinkedIn who hasn't updated his profile since 2014... this episode is your wake-up call. We're diving into what it really means to future-proof your solo business—and spoiler: it’s not just about hopping on the latest tech trend. From decluttering your feed to actually talking to your audience, Carly and Joe share no-fluff strategie...

Feel like your goals ghosted you this year? You're not alone—and it's not self-sabotage. In this episode, we’re talking to self-trust coach Dawn Ledet about why missed goals aren't failures, how to stop making your inner dialogue sound like a mean girl, and what to do when your ambition outpaces your execution. Whether you’re a solopreneur navigating your next big move or just trying to stop rage-...

Hosting events has been an absolute game-changer for lead generation and building genuine connections. Joe and Carly are huge fans of taking something as simple as a webinar, giving it a little makeover, and calling it an “event.”  Trust us, it makes a world of difference! When you frame it as an event, it instantly feels more exciting and engaging—not just for your audience but for you too. Event...

What does it take to thrive as a solopreneur and truly love the life you’re building? Liz Steblay knows the answer—and she’s sharing her wisdom from over 20 years of self-employment, coaching, and business-building. In this episode, Liz reveals how she fell into solopreneurship before the term even existed, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and the six essential keys to succeeding as a s...

Think you need a big budget and a bigger team to run successful virtual events? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando pull back the curtain on how their small group consistently uses virtual events to generate leads, build trust, and grow their community—without the overwhelm. From low-tech tools (spoiler: Zoom wins again) to their secret sauce for nur...

What do you get when you combine a smart marketing mind, a super simple service, and a willingness to do what others won’t? A thriving, outside-the-box solopreneur success story. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , we’re joined by William Milliken, founder of SwoopScoop , who turned a household chore into a scalable subscription business. We dive into how he built a local service empire,...

Feeling like you’re constantly chasing your next paycheck or running out of time to grow your business? You’re not alone! In this short episode, Carly and Joe dive into the game-changing potential of recurring revenue for solopreneurs. From Joe's firsthand experience building subscription-based businesses to Carly's actionable tips for keeping your pipeline full, you’ll learn how to create financi...

Ever feel like taxes are the ultimate entrepreneurial riddle you're never quite sure you've solved? Every form you have to complete and every deduction you have to consider can leave you wondering if you're doing everything correctly.  Taxes and bookkeeping are hard to understand, especially when you’re busy running the rest of your business. That’s why we invited on Melissa and Eric Broughton of...

Tired of trading time for money? Think your only pricing options are hourly or retainer? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando are breaking open the revenue model box. From subscription models to productized services, online courses to scalable solutions, they’re sharing the creative—and often overlooked—ways solopreneurs can make bank without burning...

What if selling didn’t feel salesy at all? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly and Joe sit down with the brilliant Nikki Rausch, creator of the Selling Staircase and queen of relationship selling . Nikki breaks down how to ditch the pushy tactics and build trust through smart questions, real conversations, and—get this—actually asking permission to sell. (Novel concept, right?) She...

Are you keeping your business idea under wraps, afraid someone will steal it? Think again! In this short episode, we break down why secrecy could be sabotaging your success—and what to do instead. Learn how to properly vet your product or service, test your messaging, and refine your pricing before launching, so you don’t waste time on an idea that won’t fly. Ready to stop hiding and start growing...

Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with writer’s block? You’re not alone. In this short episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando get real about those days when motivation is nowhere to be found. They dive into the power of stepping away, reconnecting with your “why,” and knowing when to push through versus when to pivot. Plus, they share insights on burnout, mindset shifts, and...

What if the secret to success isn’t just about what you do—but how you think? In this episode, we sit down with Margot Machol Bisnow, author of Raising an Entrepreneur , to unpack the mindset that fuels solopreneurs and self-starters alike. We’re diving into the grit, resilience, risk-taking, curiosity, and compassion that define entrepreneurial success—whether you're raising a future business own...

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! It’s easy to get buried in the chaos. But what if you could actually plan your week in a way that keeps you productive and sane?  In this short episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando break down strategies for prioritizing tasks, staying flexible, and avoiding the dreaded to-do list burnout. Plus, the simple mindset shift that will have you ending each day feeling...

Ever feel like you're drowning in work but barely keeping your business afloat? Mike Moll did too—until he cracked the code on simplifying, scaling, and actually enjoying solopreneurship. From burning out in his agency to traveling 38 cities in 10 countries while running a wildly profitable business, Mike spills the secrets to working less, charging more, and ditching the overwhelm. Plus, the eye-...

What if your dream of working from home and spending more time with your family wasn't just possible—but wildly successful? Meet Todd and Leah Rae Getts, a couple who went from having zero business or marketing experience to making six figures a month online. How did they do it? Desperation, determination, and a whole lot of smart strategy. In this episode, we dive into their incredible journey fr...

Ever wondered how LifeStarr operates behind the curtain? In this episode, Carly and Joe peel back the layers, answering your burning questions about how they make money, work with contractors instead of employees, and navigate the challenges of running a business while keeping flexibility at the core. Plus, they tease some BIG things coming soon—including an exciting way for solopreneurs to find t...

What if your online presence was so warm and inviting that total strangers had to meet you? That’s exactly what happened with our guest, Greg Wasserman! Before we even knew him, we knew we needed him on the show.  Greg is a master at building relationships—both online and in-person—without being salesy, spammy, or sleazy. How do you create authentic connections that actually lead to opportunities?...

Feeling overwhelmed by emails, tasks, and an endless to-do list? You're not alone! In this sound bite episode, we dive into Getting Things Done (GTD) —a life-changing productivity system that can help you clear mental clutter and take control of your work. Joe Rando shares how he discovered GTD out of pure necessity and how its simple yet powerful framework transformed the way he works.  If you’re...

Solopreneurship isn’t just about strategy—it’s about you . In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , we sit down with Maddie Kelley, host of the Mimir podcast , to explore the holistic approach to solopreneurship—how your business success is deeply tied to your personal growth. We dive into: Why solopreneurs are their business—and how that shapes success Practical ways to integrate meditation,...

What if we told you that turning down a million-dollar deal could actually be the best business decision you ever make? Sounds crazy, right? But in this sound bite episode, Joe and Carly dive into why saying no—to the wrong projects, the wrong clients, and even the wrong skill sets—can be the key to building a thriving, fulfilling business.  If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, burnout,...

What if your solopreneur journey wasn’t confined to a laptop and a coffee shop? What if it was filled with adventure, storytelling, and making a real impact on the planet?  This week, we sit down with Alice Ford, an award-winning adventure filmmaker, stuntwoman, and environmental advocate, to talk about how she built a brand that’s anything but cookie-cutter.  From flipping off buildings as a stun...

Think your brand is just a logo and a color scheme? Think again! As a solopreneur, YOU are your brand. In this sound bite episode, we dive into what truly makes a personal brand stand out. From embracing your unique strengths to building trust with your audience, we break down why your brand is about more than just marketing—it’s about who you are and how you show up . Plus, we’ll tackle the commo...

What does it take to thrive as a solopreneur and truly love the life you’re building? Liz Steblay knows the answer—and she’s sharing her wisdom from over 20 years of self-employment, coaching, and business-building. In this episode, Liz reveals how she fell into solopreneurship before the term even existed, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and the six essential keys to succeeding as a s...