Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

”Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast! I’m your host, Nichole, and I’m a little obsessed with living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting impact. I believe as entrepreneurs, we hold the power to bring immense joy to our clients, communities, and, most importantly, ourselves. But we often need support along the way, which is where this podcast comes in! Join me, biweekly, on this journey as we explore the concepts, ideas, stories, and experiences of those who are on their own entrepreneurial path. I’ll share my insights and learnings as I meet fascinating individuals with inspiring tales, and together, we’ll uncover the keys to a fulfilling, joyful and impactful entrepreneurial journey. This podcast is your go-to source for inspiration, practical wisdom, and the art of blending joy with entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find valuable insights and motivation to create a lasting impact while leading a joyful and meaningful life. Tune in and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!”

Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship is a business podcast hosted by Nichole Howard, with 23 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81.

Nichole Howard hosts Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship, a business show with 23 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #52

  Ep 49. Beyond Beauty: Aging Well from the Inside Out

  Sep 18, 202626 min

  What if aesthetics wasn’t about changing how you look—but about helping you feel your best, too? ✨ In this episode, I sit down with Kiera Traum, nurse practitioner and founder of NxtGen Aesthetics, to talk about patient-first aesthetics, functional medicine, skin health, and what it really means to age well. Here’s what we unpack: What patient-first care actually looks like in aesthetics Why your goals and budget should come before a treatment plan The shift from fillers toward biostimulators and microneedling What functional medicine means beyond the buzzword Why asking “WHY?” can help uncover the root of symptoms The connection between gut health, hormones, thyroid health, fatigue, and more Common misconceptions about functional medicine Why natural-looking aesthetic results start with healthy skin How to approach aesthetics from a place of education—not pressure If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the world of aesthetics or wondered where to even begin, this conversation is a great reminder that you don’t have to do everything. Start with a conversation, understand your options, and choose what actually makes sense for you. #FunctionalMedicine #AestheticMedicine #SkinHealth #AgingWell #PatientFirstCare #WellnessJourney #NaturalBeauty #HealthyAging #MedSpa #JoyMakersPodcast 00:00 Welcome to Joy Makers 00:12 Meet Kiera Traum 01:27 Joy Round Rapid Fire 02:55 Patient First at NexGen 04:57 What Is Functional Medicine 06:43 Personal Lab Work Story 09:23 How Treatment Plans Work 12:28 Costs Insurance and Testing 13:12 Longevity and Feeling Vibrant 16:40 Myths About Aesthetics 18:18 GLP 1s and Natural Results 21:58 Confidence Without Fixation 23:20 Where to Start Consults 26:01 Connect and Closing Meet Kiera - Kiera Traum is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner, aesthetic injector, and the owner of NexGen Aesthetics in southern New Jersey. With a passion for helping people feel confident inside and out, she combines advanced aesthetic medicine with a functional medicine approach to uncover and address the root causes of health concerns. Known for her down-to-earth personality and patient-first philosophy, Kiera has built NexGen Aesthetics into a practice where patients feel heard, educated, and cared for—not just treated. She believes the best outcomes come from listening, creating individualized treatment plans, and enhancing natural beauty while supporting overall wellness. When she's not caring for patients or growing her practice, Kiera enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, cheering on her 10 year old at the baseball field, and sharing educational content to make health and aesthetics approachable for everyone. Connect with Kiera here - nexgenaestheticsnj.com and connect with Nichole here - www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/ Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening

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  Episode #51

  Ep 48. Stop Overthinking Your Content: Authentic Video, Visibility & Connection with Lindsay Dowrick

  Sep 4, 202650 min

  I think a lot of us are waiting to feel confident on camera before we start showing up. But what if confidence actually comes from letting yourself be seen? In this episode, Lindsay Dowrick and I talk about the fear, judgment, and overthinking that can come with creating video content—and how much easier it becomes when you stop trying to perform. We talk about: • Getting comfortable being yourself on camera • Why you don’t need to chase every social media trend • The difference between “yapping” and actually having a message • How to create videos that feel natural instead of overly scripted • Finding one clear takeaway for every piece of content • Turning real client questions into content ideas • Why repeating your message is completely okay • Protecting your creative energy while staying consistent If you’ve been thinking, “I know I should be doing video, but I just don’t feel comfortable on camera,” this episode might be exactly what you need. ✨ You don’t need to become someone else online. You just need to get a little more comfortable being you. #CameraConfidence #AuthenticContent #PersonalBrand #VisibilityOnline #VideoMarketingTips #ContentCreation #SocialMediaConfidence #WomenInBusiness #JoyMakersPodcast 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:13 Rapid Fire Joy Round 03:21 From YouTube to Reels 05:21 Perfect Is a Myth 07:00 Fear of Being Seen 09:38 Creating Safety on Camera 12:15 Psychology Behind Content 17:36 Yapping Videos Explained 21:40 Strategy Without Scripts 24:46 Talking Formats and Takeaways 26:41 Documenting With Purpose 28:41 Client Questions Research 29:23 Two Hats Two Audiences 29:47 Photo Shoot Prep Tips 32:42 Wellness Led Coaching Mindset 34:31 Outside Perspective Matters 35:41 Content Blocks And BTS Ideas 38:12 One Take Authenticity Rule 42:39 Repeat Your Message More 44:53 Creative Energy And Burnout 48:16 Final Takeaway And Where To Find Meet Lindsay - Lindsay Dowrick has been obsessed with making social media videos since 2008, long before short form video transformed the internet. She then created her content agency, The Video Artists, where they help entrepreneurs stand out and start creating videos that actually sounds like them. Their mix of strategy, psychology, and conversational interviewing has helped Philadelphia area small businesses rack up more than 100 million views without chasing every trend. Connect with Lindsay here - Linkedin Instagram and connect with Nichole here - www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/ Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening

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  Episode #50

  Ep 47. Culture Is a Revenue Strategy: Leadership, Resilience & Building Better Workplaces with Allison Fumo

  Aug 24, 202644 min

  What if the culture you build could directly impact your bottom line? In this episode, I sit down with Allison Fumo, Senior Director of People and Culture at Next League, to talk about why workplace culture is so much more than perks, pizza parties, and employee events. We unpack: • Why employee engagement is a business strategy, not just an HR metric • How strong workplace culture can drive retention, development, and revenue • What Allison learned about leadership through her daughter’s health journey • Why empathy and vulnerability can make you a stronger leader • How to build trust by listening and meeting people where they are • Practical ways companies can support career growth and connection • Why leaders need to ask people what they actually need—not assume If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone responsible for building a healthy workplace culture, this conversation is full of practical insights you can take with you. Meet Allison - Allison Fumo is a People & Culture executive and Senior Director at Next League, a leading sports technology company, where she builds high-performing teams, leadership programs, and cultures that drive business performance. Previously, she helped scale Penn Interactive from 90 to nearly 400 employees in just two years while building its HR, recruiting, and learning functions from the ground up. A strong believer that culture is a business and revenue strategy, Allison brings a unique perspective shaped by both her leadership experience and her journey as a mother advocating for her daughter, who was born with a rare genetic disorder. A Philadelphia native and Wharton graduate, Allison is also a certified DISC professional and community leader passionate about empathy, resilience, and creating workplaces where people can thrive. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 46:21 Quick Joy Round 49:17 Kids and Everyday Wonder 52:21 Playlist Picks and Swiftie Talk 53:54 Resilience as a Leader 01:02:57 Sports Roots and Culture 01:05:58 Eagles Fan Confessions 01:06:15 Sports Tech Career Shift 01:08:29 Culture Drives Revenue 01:09:38 Engagement Surveys in Action 01:10:53 Think Like a Coach 01:12:16 Growth Paths and Remote Rituals 01:13:31 Beyond Pizza Parties 01:17:38 Ask and Listen This Week 01:19:13 Books and Purpose Questions 01:21:35 Home Rule and Vulnerability 01:26:11 Connect and Closing Thanks Connect with Allison here - LinkedIn Instagram and connect with Nichole here - www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/ Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening

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  Episode #49

  Ep 46. Passing the PMP: The Ugly-Cry, Almost-Quit, Actually-Made-It Version

  Aug 6, 202630 min

  What if the only thing standing between you and your next chapter is the story you're telling yourself? ✨ In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Kim, to talk about the journey of earning her PMP certification—and how it became so much more than passing an exam. Here's what we unpack: • Why she decided to pursue her PMP certification • The fear of not being "smart enough" • How perfectionism almost held her back • Building a routine that balanced work, studying, and self-care • The study tools and strategies that helped her succeed • What passing the exam taught her about confidence • Why trusting your gut is often the first step toward growth If you've been putting off a goal because self-doubt keeps getting in the way, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're capable of more than you think. Meet Kimberly — My sister and the mastermind behind the scenes at one of Philadelphia's largest corporations, where she works as a Senior Occupancy Planner, turning logistical chaos into seamless moves for teams of 20 to 200+ people. Think of her as part strategist, part diplomat, part real-life Tetris champion, the person who makes sure hundreds of people (and their desks, chairs, and everything in between) land exactly where they need to be. She recently leveled up with her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, adding some serious credentials to a career built on organization, adaptability, and getting people through change without losing their minds. Off the clock, Kimberly trades spreadsheets for sidewalks, walking her dogs, catching up on the latest Bravo drama, and soaking up time with the friends and family who keep her grounded (and probably send her memes mid-workday). She's joining us on Joy Makers to talk about identity in the "messy middle," reinvention, and what her PMP journey taught her about growth, on paper and in life. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:15 Quickfire Sister Banter 02:24 Joy Round Favorites 04:28 Why Pursue the PMP 06:59 Resistance and Fear Gremlins 11:05 Study Grind and Routines 14:38 Support And Pressure 15:55 Finding Motivation 17:44 Fear Of Failure 18:56 Time And Priorities 20:22 Study Strategy And Tools 23:04 Passing And Meaning 24:42 Confidence Toolbox 26:55 Trust Your Gut 28:47 Closing Thanks And Outro Connect with Kim here - Kim's Linkedin The study app mentioned: Pocket Prep and connect with Nichole here - www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/ Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening

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  Episode #48

  Ep 45. Belonging Over Fitting In: Cassandra Burnett on Grief, Joy & Building Safe Spaces for Women

  Jun 22, 202653 min

  Litigation attorney turned entrepreneur Cassandra Burnett joins Joy Makers to talk belonging, grief, people-pleasing, and the joy practices that keep her grounded. On founding Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and The Aunties podcast — plus why pausing is the bravest thing you can do. Episode Summary What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start letting yourself belong? This week on Joy Makers, I sat down with Cassandra Burnett — litigation attorney turned entrepreneur, community builder, and the founder behind Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit. She also hosts The Aunties podcast. Cassandra has spent years being “the one” in professional rooms — and that experience shaped a deep calling to build spaces where women can drop the titles, lower the guard, and quit the comparison game. We get into the hard, beautiful stuff: how losing her mother and then her father set off what she calls a “great untethering” — the unraveling that finally freed her from people-pleasing and reconnected her to who she actually is. She shares how grief deepened her marriage, why she stopped apologizing for being multi-passionate, and how she learned to tell a healthy space from one that’s quietly draining her. We also talk about rest as a calling (not a reward), capacity over hustle, and the daily joy practices — devotional time, movement, community, affirmations — that keep her tethered now. If you’ve been running on empty, performing belonging instead of feeling it, or wondering whether the pause you keep craving is allowed — this one’s for you. What You’ll Take Away Why belonging beats fitting in — and how to tell the difference How to stop apologizing for being multi-passionate The link between people-pleasing and losing yourself What grief can teach you about identity, marriage, and joy Why pausing protects your peace, capacity, purpose, and rest Simple daily joy practices you can actually keep How gratitude rewires your brain (and why Cassandra leans on it) Timestamps 00:00 — Podcast Welcome 00:33 — Meet Cassandra Burnett 02:24 — Why Safe Spaces Matter 06:28 — Belonging Over Fitting In 08:12 — Stop Apologizing for Being Multi-Passionate 09:27 — Losing Yourself to People-Pleasing 12:28 — Grief and the Great Untethering 14:50 — Marriage Through Major Change 21:51 — The Joy of Grief 24:01 — Motherhood Identity Shift 26:14 — Go Find Yourself 28:32 — Choosing to Pause 30:16 — Capacity Over Hustle 32:51 — Rest as a Calling 35:54 — Set-Apart Identity 37:17 — Brave Faith and Joy 39:11 — Feel It and Release 40:50 — Daily Joy Practices 46:18 — How Gratitude Rewires the Brain 48:06 — The Perfect Three Hours 50:47 — Connect and Closing About Cassandra Burnett Cassandra is a litigation attorney turned entrepreneur and community builder. She founded Lizzie’s Love Cakes in honor of her late mother, created the Hey Girl Women’s Conference and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit, and produces The Aunties podcast. Through monthly baking workshops, she brings women together to bake, connect, and honor their ancestors. Connect with Cassandra: https://heygirlconference.com/ https://lizzieslovecakes.com/ https://cassandraburnett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cassandraburnett_/ Connect with Nichole: www.nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/ Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

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