life

S2 Ep. 15 – What is Launching & Why You Should Launch Your Online Course

In this eye-opening episode, I get to the heart of what it means to launch your online course and why it’s essential for your business. I break down the importance of announcing your product multiple times a year and the value of creating a high-quality experience for each cohort of students.

Join me as I share insights on why launching is not only crucial for enrolling more students but also serves as a secret weapon for funding your dream house or bringing your wildest visions to life. If you’ve ever wondered about the power of launching, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to make the most of your online course offerings. Don’t miss out on these valuable tips and strategies from my years of experience as a launch strategist!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Spark a conversation! Leave a comment below or say hello @alexbeadon on Instagram.

#018 – The Power of Energetic Alignment In Business & The Truth Behind Leaving Corporate America to Start Your Own Business with Amanda Marit

What is success really?

For some, it’s graduating from school, finding a job and making good money. For others, the definition of success may be drastically different.

For Amanda Marit, after working seven years in Corporate America, she redefined what success meant to her.

“This wasn’t actually the life that I wanted…there was something so much more, so much bigger beyond that…”

As the creator of “Sass meets Soul”, a popular blog and Instagram page, Amanda took a leap of faith from her steady 9 to 5 job to pursue life coaching full-time. But it took more than just a resignation; to succeed, she had to transform her entire mindset and tap into her heart center.

“When you have faith, you are going to be supported. You’re going to be supported in overflow if you can really get your head in the right space.”

Join in as Amanda shares the values of being certain in uncertainty and how it has deeply impacted her budding path as an entrepreneur.

This is On Purpose.

In this Podcast you’ll learn:

  • Reality vs expectations of owning your own business.
  • How to be unapologetic in your content.
  • Why success is reliant on believing in yourself.
  • The overarching benefits of stillness and self-alignment.
  • When to use strategy and when to focus on mindset.

Realign with Amanda:
IG: @amanda.marit
Website: www.amandamarit.com

Loved this and want more? Check out our other episodes here.

Spark a conversation! Leave a comment below or say hello @alexbeadon on Instagram.

Transcript Available Below

Alex Beadon 0:00
In this episode, I interviewed Amanda Marit on the reality versus expectations of starting your own business straight out of corporate America. We talked about how to be unapologetic with your content, why your success is so reliant on your ability to believe in yourself doubt free. We also talked about the benefits of stillness and getting aligned, and how to know when to focus on strategy versus mindset. This is on purpose. Do you ever feel like you’re trying to balance it all? nourishing your health while growing your business and living a life well lived? And no matter how hard you try, sometimes you slip from purpose driven into autopilot. Take a deep breath, relax, and let’s get you back to where you belong. On purpose.

Hello, my friends welcome to episode number 18 of on purpose with Alex Beadon. Today I’m interviewing Amanda Marit. Amanda Marit is an intuitive soul and life coach who I have known personally, for a few years now we actually met in Tampa way back in the day when I used to live there. And we’ve been friends ever since she is someone who is a student of the law of attraction and she honestly the reason why I wanted to bring her on the podcast is because she’s one of those rare souls who 100% walks her talk, right? I absolutely have loved following her journey over the last few years of entrepreneurship really watching her go from a 100% corporate America type of gal killing it over there in corporate America now moving into entrepreneurship and it’s just been so inspiring to watch her. So in this episode, I asked her a bunch of questions about what that was like taking a leap of faith by quitting her corporate job. And I just love how she’s always been someone who’s prioritized her state of being and her energetic alignment above everything else. So enjoy this episode number 18. Remember, if you post this on your Instagram stories to tag this as episode number 18. And when you’re done listening, make sure to head on over to Instagram. Let me know what you think. Send me a DM, post it to your stories. I absolutely love hearing from you guys. So take a listen. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.

Hi, Amanda, thank you so much for being here with me today.

Amanda Marit 2:29
Hey, Alex, I’m so grateful and honored that you’re having me on your show. Thank you so much. You’re so welcome.

Alex Beadon 2:35
I’m so excited for what’s about to unfold. And I want to start this off by asking you one question. And that question is what do you find most nourishing about having your own business?

Amanda Marit 2:49
Such a good question. The freedom, it’s the freedom to choose how I want to live my life, the freedom to create the freedom to be in my passions, the freedom to share my message with the world. It’s just all of that together. It’s like just this new level of just feeling free to be who I am and get paid to do it.

Alex Beadon 3:14
I think something that’s really big for me right now is the realization that I really don’t want to work with people who want to have a business just because they want to be rich and make a ton of money. Work with people who really are creating a business that will allow them to create their ideal lifestyle, and also that will allow them to live in alignment with their purpose. And so I wanted to ask you, would you say that that is the reason why you came into business was so that you could live in alignment with your purpose and so that you could be intentional with your lifestyle.

Amanda Marit 3:55
Oh, absolutely. And since Alex, since you and I know each other on a personal level, you know that? You know that my business is actually who I am. So there’s really no it’s like interesting when I try to think it’s like, I can’t really separate my business from my personal life from my message from my mission really, because it’s who I am. And it’s how I carry myself and live my life.

Just helping other people to step into their own truth their own, you know more from like that soul level that heart soul level is pretty much who I am. So there really there’s no kind of definitive line. But yeah, it’s just like becoming that living example of your passion and getting supported and doing that. It’s like, it’s amazing.

Alex Beadon 4:45
And I want you to tell us about your journey because I know it but I know the listeners so well you got to that space where you were like okay, if I want to live my life fully in alignment with my purpose and doing what it is that I love and creating this life So for myself, you know, these are the things that I have to do like what? At what point did you realize, oh, like I have to do this?

Amanda Marit 5:08
Yeah. So I spent seven years in corporate America climbing the ladder. And at one point, I thought that was my my dream, I thought that was what you did you graduated college, you got a good job, you worked your way up the chain, like, make you made great money made a good living for yourself. That’s what I thought success really was. And what happened was, I got probably, it’s probably like four or five years really into it, I started feeling just like, I was being called to something different, that this wasn’t actually the life that I wanted, and that there was something so much more, so much bigger. Beyond that, and I just saw how people were living their lives, like stressed out and they weren’t happy up in management. They weren’t, you know, and I started just witnessing how it’s like, all these external factors actually, don’t make us happy. And I started my own spiritual journey. It was like my dating life was kind of a hot mess at the time, too. And so it just caused me to take a look inward. And, you know, I had this whole huge transformation that started reading every self development book, going to events, and really, like, started, you know, whole meditation practice in in connecting to myself and learning to really love and appreciate myself and everything changed. So much so that I started blogging and writing about it. And before I knew it, I had people asking if they could work with me, and I’m like, Wow, this feels like the direction that my life is gonna go in. Now, this feels more in alignment with me, like, I’m so excited the way I feel now. Like, I just want to share my joy with the world, I just want to help other people. And it was that moment that I realized, Okay, it’s time, like, you have to do this. And so it was kind of like a kind of a slow clap out of my corporate job. But honestly, I just decided to up and leave it, you know, I got to a point where I wasn’t really putting all my energy and focus into my business because I had this other job that I just decided to leap and allow the net to appear. And it did. And how long would you

Alex Beadon 7:17
say it took you from the moment when you realize like you had that little feeling inside like, you should be doing this full time this would bring you joy to you actually leaving

Amanda Marit 7:29
way too long. Honestly, if I wish I could go back in time and tell myself when I first had that realization that you can you can do this now. Like don’t don’t put it off. And I think it probably took me close to a year and a half or maybe a year and a half or two years to decide to actually leave and put all of my energy in it and I know that that is perfect and there’s no regret in that. But now I would just love to share with anyone who’s listening right now that there’s never going to be a perfect time don’t wait until you have a pile of money or everything looks perfect if you leave that and that is going to appear you’re going to be given those right action steps you’re going to know what direction to go and you’re going to be supported and and really there’s no there’s no time to waste the world needs whatever you have to offer

Alex Beadon 8:24
for sure. Yeah, so why have into like you quitting your job? You taking that leap and Appala pair and all of that stuff? Well before Yeah. I want to know if because I know you said you know took a year and a half to two years and you were way too all at the same time. Don’t you feel like there was an evolution happening within those that year to two years that was preparing you to be fully ready and fully like stepping into it? Because I know for a long time you were you have soft meat soul that was the name of your brand. That’s so funny. I just remember that transformation. Have you started with sauce meat soul? Which correct me if I’m wrong with your blog, and an Instagram page?

Amanda Marit 9:12
That’s right. Yes, that was my blog. And it just that started to help kind of women in the modern world blend their lives with spirituality. And so that was my my very first endeavor endeavor. So funny. A secret

Alex Beadon 9:27
when you first came out, like what was it like coming out with that? When no one in your life must have known that you were into all of this stuff? Like that’s a huge stepping into something when people are seeing that you’re writing a blog every week or every day or whatever. What was that like for you?

Amanda Marit 9:42
Oh my God, it was really scary. Honestly, I remember I didn’t even tell the guy I was dating at the time that I was into this stuff. And we had been dating for like eight months. So I kept it I kept it hidden. I honestly didn’t know if I would be accepted. No. And at that point, it was just kind of new for me. And I was just kind of acclimating to this new version of myself that was emerging that it was scary to share it with the world, it was scary to kind of come on be myself it took, it took a while. And I remember just getting bold one day and just throwing it on my personal Facebook and, and then the reaction, it was kind of that moment that everything started really moving. Then clients started pouring in. And they started actually coaching was when I really announced it to the world and kind of owned it. But it did take some time, for sure.

Alex Beadon 10:35
So it took some time, you finally got the courage you put the blog posts out there clients started coming to at what stage were you like, Okay, I need to actually focus on this full time. And I need to start getting things together to quit my job so that I can work on this full time. And also, it’s like for you because I I mean, I never had to leave a full time job I kind of just employment. So I have no idea. But I know lots of people are in jobs, and they’re like, there’s never the right time. Like, how much money do I have to put aside? You know, what contingency plan do I need to put in place? So I’d love to hear you speak on what that was like for you?

Amanda Marit 11:14
Yeah, for me, again, it was kind of like, it happened kind of, well, to me, it was slow. But for the outside world, it might be fast. I, I just I wanted out. Right away. I’m kind of in those people where it’s like, and I’ve always been really, really good at business. Like, you know, I got promoted a bunch of times in corporate America fast. And I’ve always had a really, yeah, amazing just mindset for business. So I was actually still trying to get promoted to my next level, while I was growing that coaching business, because I wanted to save enough money up to leave and go full time in my other business. So you know, again, like, if I could go back, I would have left a lot sooner. Now. It’s all perfect. Because there were some things I probably needed to learn first, or feel comfortable with first and gain confidence in my skills as a coach and a mentor. And also, just to get more comfortable with the idea of it, you know, I probably wouldn’t have had the resiliency at that point in time to be jumping full time. So yeah, it took like, I would say, a year after that, and we finally deciding, like, it’s go time?

Alex Beadon 12:26
And did you have money put aside? Like, did you ever really things where you just like, I’m just gonna do this, and

Amanda Marit 12:34
I really did not put any money aside, I’m gonna get really bold and just share that I didn’t, because I just know, I ended up moving out to California. And that’s a whole nother story, probably my intuition and being guided out to California by like minded entrepreneurs. And I barely put any money aside, and I just the moment I decided I was gonna put my noticing I had all these clients flow in no joke. That’s amazing. Yeah. Because

Alex Beadon 13:05
even then it will appear. But I feel like you also have the mindset stuff down so brilliantly, which we’re going to get to so Okay, yeah, we’ll move on to the next question. So my next question for you is, as a new business owner, because you’ve been in business now for five months,

Amanda Marit 13:20
yeah. Which is full time.

Alex Beadon 13:24
that really excited me was the fact that you’ve been doing this full time for less than five months. It’s so cool. And so I’m curious, what is one challenge that you find yourself consistently having to overcome or like do the inner work for and how do you overcome it?

Amanda Marit 13:40
Yeah, that’s a really great question. Because, you know, as I shared with you, I had clients come when I quit, but then there was a time when I had so much fear, so much fear that they weren’t coming. And then I, and I had to deal with all of those fears, that came up within me about how I would be financially supported in this because there is a, you have to put a lot of certainty in your uncertainty, really, because I was used to getting a paycheck one way, you know, in a really good paycheck, a really great paycheck. So I think it was a lesson, I don’t believe that everyone has to go through this at all, by any means. So don’t expect that you have to learn this lesson. But for me, it was really learning to not only trust myself, but for me, from a spiritual standpoint is trusting in my higher power, the universe, whatever anyone believes in to meet you halfway in that. And so the fears that came up were really, really intense, you know, for a portion of this time of this past five months. I’m grateful to say I am far past that, but there were so many tears, and there are moments in it. Quitting was never an option. Like that was never something that I consider it. But there were moments where I’m like, how the heck is this going to work? Is this really gonna work? Like, you know, I had an influx of all this stuff at first and then there was a law and it just got low made me kind of doubt my not doubt myself and what I offered but more like it can this really work for me this whole entrepreneurship thing like this is a lot harder than I thought it would be kind of saying. And so, for me, what was really, really important is just being there for myself through all of those emotions and not suppressing them, like not ignoring them, like actually allowing myself to be human through the process, and know that this is a huge, huge deal, stepping out and owning your own business. And it’s so courageous. And so many people hear this all the time from family from friends, it’s like, Wow, I’m so in awe of what you do. And I forget that sometimes, most of the world’s to this is a big deal to most of them, like this isn’t something that they would necessarily have the courage to do. So it’s kind of encouraging yourself, like as you as you move forward. And I mean, there’s so many different things that I do, to help myself move through fear. But a lot of it is, you know, allowing myself to be human being there for myself, but that at the end of the day, having the confidence and knowing that I can do this and knowing it’s like really working on building that muscle of like, I have my own magic wand. Like whatever happens in my life, I’m responsible for it. And I can do this. So it’s that combination, you just said

Alex Beadon 16:33
so many great things. I’m like you’re taking down notes, so about certainty in your Ania. I love how you also mentioned being human through the process and showing yourself grace and being kind to yourself, even when, you know, you may be nervous or doubtful or whatever. And also what you said about being your own magic wand, and I can’t agree with you anymore. Because for me, the number one thing that I think is so important. So if you’re just starting your own business, and even if you’ve been in business for years, is having that mindset of like no matter what happens, I’m going to figure this out. And, and there are so many there’s like an unlimited amount of possibilities of ways that I can figure this out. I just have to trust the right ones gonna come to

Amanda Marit 17:21
me. Exactly. Yeah,

Alex Beadon 17:24
that’s super, super powerful. And it’s so great that you I mean, this is what you teach people in their life. So I feel like you have this extra superpower as an entrepreneur to be able to take all of this and apply it into your business. So that’s super exciting. Yeah. So how have your expectations of what entrepreneurship would look like different from the reality of entrepreneurship?

Amanda Marit 17:47
Hmm. That’s a that’s a question I’ve never thought of before.

Honestly, it’s just so much more Unlimited, then our minds even think, I think that like I went into this thinking it has to look this way, I have to create these kinds of programs or offerings, and it has to look like this. But it’s really actually far more on limited than even our minds can conceive to be possible. And if we allow ourselves to kind of bust through that box, like bust that small little square box that we have created for ourselves open and allowing the other possibilities, so much more, you make room for so much more.

Alex Beadon 18:31
Can you give me an example of something in your business that you were like, okay, you know, I thought I had some maybe it was like a strategy. Like, I thought I had to follow step by step formula, but then my inner guidance, my intuition, whatever told me to be creative in this other way. And it still worked or whatever. Do you have an example of like that limitless limitlessness?

Amanda Marit 18:56
Yeah, so in the beginning, I was really focused on okay, how can I do digital courses and programs like that is what I want to do. And yes, I want to do one on one because that’s always been a part of me. But I’m really feeling like doing digital programs, and then kind of as things evolve, I’m like, You know what, there’s so many other ways that I can be supported beyond that. Like, I could be. I could literally travel the world and be a consultant coaching for celebrities, or there’s just like a far fetched example what I have, but it’s like, I thought, like, I have this limited perspective of what what can be done in this area, but it’s actually far more unlimited. And like, Let’s expand our horizons tenfold and I don’t even know if that one was a good example but no, it for me, it’s like now moving into really, really honing in because I really do enjoy the one on one process because what I’m able to do with people is insane. It It’s so powerful. And you know, I actually found in this process that I enjoyed it almost more than the programs because I can actually get my hands on the people, not physically. But I mean, I can actually get in their energy. And it’s. So I’ve learned that as well as I go that and there’s unlimited possibility in that. You know,

Alex Beadon 20:20
for sure. I’m curious to know, I’m curious for you to talk to us about the difference between the role of hustle and your business and flow. Because I have a feeling that you’re probably quite good at balancing the two of them where, maybe, well, I want to hear you talk about it. So tell me about

Amanda Marit 20:46
where’s this flow? So I feel that flow is far more important, important than hustle. And what I mean by flow is feeling in alignment, and maybe a little little insight into that. But so alignment to me is feeling in a good space, I’m feeling mentally clear. I’m feeling really confident about who I am and what I offer. I’m feeling like anything, sky is high possibilities. I’m feeling like yes, this is possible. I’m feeling good. That’s alignment. So if I’m taking action from that space, of alignment, it’s inspired, it’s feeling good. It’s I’m getting like these creative hits of Oh, go in this Facebook group, or go on Instagram, or whatever, you know, I’m getting inspired extra steps that are coming from my heart instead of man, panic action that comes from the mind. So we can hustle with our hearts from that space of inspiration. Or there’s also that part, that possibility and I’ve totally done this before. So it’s not like I’m always perfect, definitely not. Hustle from that mind space, that headspace of, oh, I got to do this x y&z I gotta check these boxes off, I gotta go show up in this group. And like, you kind of, I don’t know, it’s it comes from a different energy. And I find that I’m far more successful, when I am tapping into my heart center, and in that flow in that alignment, and it might only take one little action step that blows up, literally, like, you know, one time I got this insight, this, this intuition to go post something for a challenge, and this random Facebook group, and it got like, 300 people overnight, or something, like to me off one post that was amazing, like, I had never post how to post blow up that much. And it wasn’t because I was trying to hustle, hustle, make stuff happen. I was just genuinely coming from the heart sharing what I had to offer and boom.

Alex Beadon 22:43
So I see a lot of times, you know, because this is something I always speak about as being in alignment really coming from the energetic space of your truth and abundance and feeling good and feeling like, you know, the sky’s the limit, right? And sometimes a lot from my clients is that they’re like, Okay, you know, that’s all like, good to an easy to say, but when it comes down to the fact that like, I have to pay my bills, and I don’t have enough money in my bank account, and I’m really experiencing some struggle at home, or, you know, someone’s sick or whatever, like, basically, you know, the life is throwing the worst into these people’s lives. What do you recommend for people who are struggling with things like that, when it comes to finding that alignment, and that, that sense of flow,

Amanda Marit 23:31
I’m telling you, it’s it’s connection to your intuition. And it’s, if you believe in a higher power, it’s connection to that power, and it’s through meditation, through getting quiet through tuning in, through strengthening your face, it’s like, that’s everything having faith is everything. And, and, and knowing that you’re going to be supported, and every single time, when you have faith, you’re going to be supported. And you’re going to be supported in overflow, if you can really get your, your your space, your head in the right space. So it’s really letting the monkey mind all the tingle thoughts and all the fears of oh my god can’t remember if it’s like, something is going to happen, something is going to come through I will be supported. And it’s claiming that and doing that from a space of peace. And I know that can be challenging, it does. Maybe take you know, this is something that I’ve personally went through. So I’m speaking from personal experience, that it you will be supported in it does require faith in that and you can find peace and those moments of I don’t know how I’m gonna pay my bills, you can find peace there. And then boom, something flows in. And I’ve had that happen, and you just have to trust and that’s kind of part of what it is to be an entrepreneur but also it’s beautiful because then you get to learn that lesson and then for the rest of your life after you learn that lesson you you If there’s really just no fear, you know, you’re going to be supported.

Alex Beadon 25:04
What is your self care routine look like as an entrepreneur.

Amanda Marit 25:09
So every morning, it’s journaling, it’s gratitude, it’s meditation and visualization, and time to connect with my higher power, time to open up and know that I’m, for me personally, not doing this alone. And that reminding myself of how supported AM, and then it’s also being grateful for myself being grateful, because we don’t take time to really turn it back around ns, we’re always trying to please other people or grow our business or whatever. But it’s like, I am so grateful that I have the courage to show up and do this. I’m so grateful that this is what I’m doing in the world, this is what I’m putting out in the world, I’m so grateful that, you know, blah, blah, blah, people are finding me now. And it’s kind of just getting to that state of gratitude for yourself. And that gratitude is actually really just the feeling of abundance of overflow of love. And from there, that generates more of that feeling in your life. And so that’s part of my every day.

Alex Beadon 26:11
And how long do you spend in the mornings on this routine?

Amanda Marit 26:17
Um, probably like, it depends sometimes longer if I’m really feeling it. But if I don’t have a ton of time, I haven’t created a ton of time, probably anywhere between, I don’t know, maybe, like, 2030 minutes, it doesn’t have to take too long.

Alex Beadon 26:30
Okay. And then on the like, what would you say is the average length of time presented? You’re saying like, its minimum? 2030 minutes? Is it normally like an hour and a half an hour?

Amanda Marit 26:42
It’s, it’s, on most days, I would say. The longest was like, an hour.

Alex Beadon 26:49
Okay, cool. Yeah. And you spend a lot of time as well, tapping into the feelings that you want to attract into your life. So, for example, if you want more clients, or if you want more money, or if you want more impact, or if you want to have more influence online, like, Are you purposely sitting there and experiencing it in your body? What it would feel like if it was legit happening right now? Yeah,

Amanda Marit 27:15
all the time girl. It’s like such a that and visualization is such a huge part of it for me, is yes, feeling the feelings and, and visualizing how it would feel to have those clients find you visualizing the impact that it would have for them, visualizing like, and sometimes I’ll just sit and I asked them, like, how would how is this going to make my client feel by the end of this program, or during this program, and sometimes I’ll literally be crying and like happy tears and just feeling the emotion. And for me, like, once I can feel that, like emotion and that connection, to whatever I’m calling in and really visualize it, and really begin to see it and feel it. I know it’s happening. And in a minute, it’s that knowing that calls it in. Yeah. Can you

Alex Beadon 28:08
speak to us about the importance of strategy versus mindsets?

Amanda Marit 28:17
For me, personally, and I know there’s so many different ways to do this, for me mindset is number one. Because if you’re creating a strategy from a lack mentality or limited perspective, then that strategy is going to be infused with that energy, right? That limitation, that limited perspective that that outcome, that probably is a little bit, you know, not as abundant as the other outcome. So it’s when once you get your mindset, in a place where it’s feeling really, really good, it is important to have some sort of strategy, it is important to take steps and take actions and not expect it all to just flow to you. And I think both are equally as important. But again, it’s kind of like that align or flow versus hustle where it’s like, the strategy can actually be a lot simpler than then a lot of people that I’m seeing out there I’m making it out to be

Alex Beadon 29:18
what’s been surprising to you about having your own business. Like the whole process, not even just like being responsible for your income, but also, you know, online, putting yourself out there I feel like being in business in the way that you and I are in business is one of the best personal development tools out there. And so what’s the most surprising to you or what’s been your biggest aha moments?

Amanda Marit 29:47
One of the things that’s coming up for me right now, as you’re saying that is even if it looks like something isn’t moving, or it looks like people aren’t watching you, they are, they are and I’ve I’ve experienced I had someone that’s never commented on anything at all, never messaged me and tell me that her life has changed because of me. And now she’s a client. Wow. And, and I never, I never ever interacted with her before. And so if you’re feeling like things aren’t moving, and there’s crickets, it’s not true things are moving. And the more you kind of own that, and just own who you are like, it’s all going to fall into place. But that was shock

Alex Beadon 30:31
is like, loops back to the whole mindset and having faith and trusting that everything is going to work out in your favor. Yeah, it’s, it’s funny how it all circles back. Yeah. So if you had because a lot of the people listening, they’re either brand new business owners, they want to be business owners, or they’ve been in business for a few years, so they can’t really get to that full time position. I would love for you to share with us what has worked for you when it comes to your business and getting clients.

Amanda Marit 31:01
Oh, yeah, showing up and showing up with hearts showing up in and again, it’s like all goes back to the power of our heart when we’re sharing. And so it’s like, if you’re taking literally like, for that one example, where like a post blew up that had never blown up in a in a group like that before, for me was I showed up with heart, it was like, if I just unapologetically share what it is, I’m here to share, people are so attracted to that. And you you will grow so much faster. If you just unapologetically own what you’re here to do what you’re here to share. And just keep going and keep sharing from the heart. That is what is going to literally it’s like you opening up your arms to receive all that you desire when you come from that place. And there’s a difference in feeling it like sometimes I’ll post something and I’m like, Oh, I was kind of rushed for that I wasn’t really like I was kind of focused on, you know, how the copy could, you know, create a client and it doesn’t work. And then the moment I speak from the heart, it’s like, boom. So you know, it’s I have noticed just that difference. And if you’re starting out, I mean, that’s the quickest way to grow, in my opinion.

Alex Beadon 32:23
So I was stalking you on social media last night, I noticed that you seem to be offering things quite often, like you seem to always something that your own. There was like a variety of courses I saw, I saw a variety of challenges. And then you have your one on one stuff that you’re offering. And I think I saw this morning that you’re offering like a six month one on one package that you have been offering before. And so it just struck me that you seem to be in this creative zone, or in this space where you’re consistently making these offerings, and you’re doing it in such a way that doesn’t come across as needy, that doesn’t come across as slimy or sleazy. And I think a lot of people, you know, I look at you, and I admire you for that, because I work with so many people who don’t, they’re not in the mental space to do those things and to put themselves out there and to make offerings as frequently because they don’t want to be annoying, you know, you don’t have an issue with that at all. So I’d love for you to just talk to us about where does that confidence come from? How do you know when to make an offering which offering to make, you know, talk to us a little bit about that?

Amanda Marit 33:40
Thank you for saying that, by the way, because it’s we can sometimes get in our heads even about that, you know, and it’s always been some a goal of mine to come across as genuine so. So when I’m inspired to create something, I have to do it. Like I just know that even if it doesn’t make sense, like Okay, I just might have launched a group program. But actually now I’m like, I know that now this is my next thing. And it’s come in really strong. Yeah. And I know that I have to do it. It’s like kind of not about me. It’s about what it’s going to do for people. And so I get in this space because how of how connected I am to my own intuition. And to my my spiritual connection is really strong these days. I will get hits of inspiration. And they literally flow through my body. And I have to do them like I have to I know it’s meant for someone I know it’s meant for someone and then kind of just at a point where I just have to follow that and and know that. Like I’m not trying to make a sale. I’m actually just like it’s an offering for sale to support someone. Yeah. And then I’ve just noticed from that. People are like, Whoa, you’re speaking to me, and I’m like, Well, yeah, of course I am because that’s probably why I have the inspiration to create It is because I know you felt like I was speaking to you. Because I probably am. Yeah. So when you’re

Alex Beadon 35:06
creating things, are you very clear and specific about this is the person like in your visualizations visualized? Like this is a person that I’m trying to find that I’m trying to reach out to that I’m trying to help? Yes. How does that work for you?

Amanda Marit 35:22
So, I don’t know. It’s like, it’s just an interesting feeling. It’s like, okay, I need to create a program on this for this kind of person. And it’s usually it’s all stuff that I’ve personally been through. So it’s like things that I’ve either come into, like mastery with myself, I’m like, Okay, I’ve mastered this, it’s time to teach people and this, they need this now, like, this is something they need now. So then I start feeling okay, who do I know? That really, like, could benefit from this, right. And so then I start thinking of all the people I know, that could benefit from it and like their commonalities. And then I go deeper, and I’m like, Okay, what are their struggles? What are their pains? What are they going through right now? And how can I best serve them? And then I create the whole offering around that? And then

Alex Beadon 36:09
the space? Sorry to interrupt you. I just want to like, tap into that before we move on. Yeah, yeah. For yourself, when you’re going through those questions? Is it like, you know, you’re in stillness, you’re in meditation, you’re in visualization? Or is it like, you’re sitting at your desk, and you got your pen and paper out? Like, what is that session look like? Or is it both?

Amanda Marit 36:28
It’s kind of both honestly, there’s, it’s, but it’s always goes back for me to that connection. So like the intuition. So if I have a strong meditative practice, and in the morning, I’m visualizing and meditating, that kind of carries me through the day, to be honest with you, like, I feel like this level of connection where now I can sit in because my, basically, my intuition has busted wide open. Like, at any moment, I can just ask the question, and then it just come to answer just flows through my fingers, and I type these days.

Alex Beadon 36:58
That’s awesome. That’s so cool. Yeah, thing I wanted to tap into you said, it’s not about me. Can you dive deeper into that with us?

Amanda Marit 37:08
Yeah, I truly feel like I am here on a mission to help the world essentially, merge more with their soul like that, you know, out of the mind and into the heart living more from the heart. And I don’t believe that this business is about me at all. It’s about serving. It’s about sharing my message, my gift to help the world to evolve. And for people to step into their happiest, and their best selves, do that connection, it’s not, it’s truly not about me. It’s about them.

Alex Beadon 37:49
I love that so much. Because that’s four words that I use all the time, when I’m coaching, it’s all about you, like you’re making it about you and you know, people not, they feel too ugly, or they don’t feel smart enough, or whatever you want to kind of highlight for our listeners, that this same concept of you being here to serve is just as valid as Amanda’s even though Amanda is helping people in a spiritual life coaching kind of way. And it may seem like, oh, well, that’s really changing someone’s life. Even if you are a jewelry designer, or a graphic designer, or, you know, whatever it is that you’re doing in some way, shape, or form, you’re serving people and making people’s lives better. And to connect with that, and to really be aligned with your purpose and know, you know, okay, this is why I’m here. It allows you to show up in your day in a completely different way, where much more possibilities and opportunities are available for you because you’re open to them. And you’re not sitting there with this negative script kind of running the show. So having said all of that amount, I would love for you to share with us, you know, what have what do you think the benefit of stillness and quiet time with yourself is or what the benefits are? Because I think, for the most part, people just kind of rushed through their day. Mm hmm. You know, and they don’t make the time to stop and check in with themselves, even if it’s 510 minutes, like you said, and just, you know, ask, you know, how am I doing and let me really give myself the time to reflect. So I’d love for you to share with us, you know, what are the benefits of stillness and that practice been for you?

Amanda Marit 39:41
Yeah, so as you’re talking, it’s interesting. I’m just feeling like, it’s like that. Go, go go. Energy is the masculine energy, and a lot of time is our society thinks that that is what creates success is that go go go hustle, hustle, hustle, hustle. But the more fun And then is tuning in, like you said, How am I feeling what’s going on with me. And you can actually silence your mind, from the noise of the outside world, from other people around you, from the expectations, from the fears from all of that tune into your heart, your soul who you actually are as an infinite soul, you know, and you can become them a lightning rod for what you desire, instead of feeling like you have to go mow it up, mow it down, mow it down. Yeah. And it’s like, again, it’s like that goes back to that whole alignment thing is that when you are feeling good, and you are aligned, you show up in a way that is magnetic to other people, like you said, it doesn’t matter if you’re a jeweler, or whatever kind of company you own. It doesn’t have to be you know, life coach or business coach, how you show up to people creates an experience for them. And if you can make that experience, unforgettable to them, like you’re just gonna blow up, like your business is gonna blow up. Because you are your business, you are your business. And if you show up in your best energy and your best self as your best self, people are not going to forget you. And to me that success relationship building. I love that. Yeah.

Alex Beadon 41:18
Okay, so what is something that you have invested in? When it comes to your business that has made all the difference for

Amanda Marit 41:26
you? Oh, coach, hands down.

Alex Beadon 41:29
And what kind of coach did you hire? And what was it like for you to go through the coaching?

Amanda Marit 41:35
Yeah, so I hired someone who was above me, as far as in their business, and also in their spiritual practice. So for me, because I’m a spiritual life coach, it was important for me to hire someone who’s also in that headspace. And that, you know, infinite possibility, kind of space. Yeah. And that was a non negotiable for me, someone that wasn’t totally in 100% just logic structure. I needed someone who could see a bigger picture. And then we could be on the same wavelength. And before that, before I had hired her. It just I was in my head, so much like I just felt like fearful. Just getting that support. Having someone who can help you. Carry you support you be there for you encourage you help you move you forward, launch you into, you know, your next level is hands down. Priceless. And I wish I would have done it sooner. Yeah. And I have no, totally, and it took me a while to get a coach. So I know hands down, that I would have left my corporate job far sooner and would have been successful in doing that and would have made the money back if I would have hired a coach sooner. And, you know, I can I have so much advice to go back and share with myself about two years ago. But it’s again, it’s perfect. And it’s at the time, that didn’t feel feel aligned to me. So kind of just you learn as you go.

Alex Beadon 43:08
I love that. Okay, well, to wrap up, I have some questions for you. So get ready. The question is, what is the one thing you do that has been a non negotiable and keeping your business on track?

Amanda Marit 43:25
Showing up? Okay, daily.

Alex Beadon 43:28
What is one mindset that you think every entrepreneur entrepreneur needs to succeed?

Amanda Marit 43:33
Confidence? militantly confidence in yourself owning who you are owning what you do, knowing it’s good enough, knowing you have all the skills that attracts back everything that you need?

Alex Beadon 43:46
And what is a tip that you have for people in order for them to generate more confidence if they feel like they’re lacking it?

Amanda Marit 43:54
Hmm, journaling. So one of my favorite ways to do that is to get out a journal, and write down all the things that you offer the world, all your skills, all your abilities, all you bring out into the world, and remind yourself of your why and your mission and allow those two things to really just light a fire.

Alex Beadon 44:18
Like that. Okay, these next two questions are fill in the blank questions. So the world would be a better place if more people knew fill in the blank.

Amanda Marit 44:29
That there really are no limits. We hear it often. But it’s really true. There are no limits, and you’re never stuck.

Unknown Speaker 44:39
The book that changed my life was

Amanda Marit 44:42
one of the first books that changed my life was spirit junkie, Gabby Bernstein.

Alex Beadon 44:47
It’s so funny how, what has these different books and some books that like really changed people’s lives, other people read and they’re like, No, yeah, every voice has such importance. And this is so great for everyone to be listening to as well. Because even if you feel like there’s a million people saying the same thing as you, your voice is gonna resonate with people that all the other voices don’t resonate with.

Amanda Marit 45:13
So that’s totally, totally

Alex Beadon 45:16
off the top of your head. Who do you think I should interview next?

Amanda Marit 45:22
Oh, there’s so many amazing people out there.

Unknown Speaker 45:28
I know.

Amanda Marit 45:30
You should interview. Oh my gosh, there’s too many. There’s so many amazing entrepreneurs that I follow. You should interview Lena Kelsey jeroni. That’s a good idea. On my list, I figured I was trying to

Alex Beadon 45:48
for everyone listening, Amanda and I met in Tampa. And there was also another girl who was very much on the same wavelength and moving in the same direction. Her name is Lena. And so that’s why I was like, Oh, that’s a perfect person for you to recommend. And then you guys of course, did your course together.

Amanda Marit 46:07
We did. Yeah. About a year, year and a half ago, was the first program I launched was with her. So it’s exciting. Thanks

Alex Beadon 46:16
so much for joining us today. Before you leave, I would love for you to let everyone know where they can learn more about you and where the best ways to follow you online is

Amanda Marit 46:28
sweet. Awesome. Well, I just want to thank you, first of all, for your time, so much fun to catch up with you and talk to you and share the audience. You can find me at AmandaMarit.com. And then that’s my website, obviously. But I spend a lot of time over on my Instagram as well. And that’s really become my blog these days. And I do stories and lives and posts and things like that. And that’s at Amanda.Marit.

Alex Beadon 46:58
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode. If you enjoyed it, I would love for you to give me a shout out on your Instagram story or anywhere. Just letting me know what your biggest takeaway was. You guys have no idea how helpful and useful it is for me. When you message me telling me what your aha moments were telling me what it is that you took away from the podcast. It helps me understand what is most valuable to you. And it helps me understand how I can be of the highest service to you. So if you could take two minutes to do that. I would really appreciate it. Thank you guys so much for watching. I hope to hear from you over on Instagram. You can find me at Alex Beadon and I will talk to you again very soon. Bye

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#002 – Shannon Boodram on Growing Her YouTube Channel, Being A Sexologist and more …

Let’s face it. You know it, I know it: sex sells. But improving people’s sex lives is ten times more fulfilling—at least that’s what we know about our next guest.

Let’s get close with Shannon Boodram, a “Martha Stewart for Intimacy” whose YouTube videos have earned her millions of views, and a loyal following well over 350k on YouTube.

But it didn’t just happen overnight…

“Momentum is not doing one thing great and then everything is good…for most people momentum is like—you have to get really close to see it. It’s happening at a microscopic level. It’s slow but it is happening.”

Learn what makes her tick, finding true love within yourself and your business, and the nitty gritty truth behind getting your life on purpose.

In this Podcast you’ll learn:

  • How Shannon gained 100,000 YouTube subscribers in six months
  • How she dealt with the shame of having low numbers when she first started on YouTube
  • How Shannon discovered her life’s true passion of intimacy
  • How she overcame the industry shaming her for being a sexologist
  • Why she shies away from the word entrepreneur
  • What self care means to Shannon
  • And lots more
Binge on dat Boody!

IG: @Shanboody
YouTube: Shan Boody
Facebook: Shan Boody
Twitter: @ShanBoody
www.shanboodram.com

Loved this and want more? Check out our other episodes here.

Spark a conversation! Leave a comment below or say hello @alexbeadon on Instagram.

Transcript Available Below

Alex Beadon 0:02
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to balance it all, nourishing your health while growing your business and living a life well lived. And no matter how hard you try, sometimes you slip from purpose driven into autopilot. Take a deep breath, relax, and let’s get you back to where you belong on purpose

Welcome to on purpose, the podcast that helps you align your life energy with business strategy. This is your co host, Alex Beadon. Here checking in, are you ready to live your life on purpose. Today we’re going to be speaking to one of my favorite YouTubers of all time, the one the only Shannon booty. In this podcast, you will learn how Shannon gained 100,000 YouTube subscribers in six months, we’re going to talk about how she dealt with the shame of having low numbers. When she first got started on YouTube. We’ll talk about how she discovered her life’s true passion of intimacy and so much more. Now listen, before we dive into this amazing interview, I just want to let you know friendly reminder that when you’re done listening, please don’t forget to leave a review. We have a mission to reach 100 podcast reviews within our first week of launching the on purpose podcast. And that can only happen with your support. So if you really enjoy the podcast, please return the favor search for the on purpose podcast in your podcast app, scroll down and click write a review. It would seriously mean the world to me for now. Let’s dive into today’s episode. Hi, Shannon, welcome to my show.

Shannon Boodram 2:00
Hi, Alex. Thank you for having me. It’s been a long time coming.

Alex Beadon 2:03
Oh, I know. I’m so excited to have you here. And I was trying to think today back to when it was that I first found you and I can’t for the life of me remember where it was. But I know I’ve been following you for years. I absolutely love your YouTube channel. You’re up to such epic things in the world. So I just want to say thanks so much for coming on the show.

Shannon Boodram 2:24
Thank you for having me. And thank you for all of your support. You’re one of the people whose name I saw it. I’m like, Oh my gosh, she’s stunning. Who is this? And I just always, you’ve always stood out to me. So I have never not noticed you. So whenever you came on board is probably the next day. I was like Alex is my homie.

Alex Beadon 2:40
Awesome. So let’s get this interview started. So my first question for you is, what do you find most nourishing about your career?

Shannon Boodram 2:48
how different it is how challenging it is constantly, like I’m working on the show right now for Facebook called makeup or breakup. And I only honestly love about that show is how hard it is every single week and how there’s different things are thrown at us and all these new components. And it’s a bizarre thing because I used to really hate being nervous. And I’m like, because I grew up running track and field and I was constantly nervous for every meet. And now I still have those nerves. But I almost love it. Because it’s a reminder to myself that I’m doing something outside of my comfort zone that I’m always growing and stretching and expanding my database of skill sets. So I love that my job is hard and hard is relative though I’m not in a coal mine. I am not saving lives, but just challenging mentally. Yeah,

Alex Beadon 3:31
I think that’s something that I’ve always loved about you. And something that has always drawn me to you is the fact that you always seem to want to be the best version of yourself, you’re really into challenging yourself and doing things that are going to make you a better person and that are what you do. And also you’re someone who I’ve always looked at and it feels as though your purpose has always been very aligned with your career. So I would love to hear you talk a little bit about that about your purpose and doing choosing to do things in your career that gets you closer to that.

Shannon Boodram 4:10
Yeah, and I think this is a story that my boyfriend hates to hear me tell because i You always share the story but just like it’s one of those things that I honestly believe that I knew I was meant to do intimacy and relationships and sexuality from like the age of five. I remember that my Barbies were constantly banned from being naked. I remember my first consensual sexual experience at like four or five years old and it wasn’t touching each other. It was just like, showing physical acts of like desire towards our pillows, and she went told her parents either in trouble my Barbies are banned from being naked and like a lot of my life I went to a Catholic school, like my natural curiosity for sexuality and intimacy was suppressed. So a good friend of mine, Melanie Fiona said that we often feel like we have to move forward in life that we’re moving towards our passion moving towards Finding our desire, and she’s like, I think it’s actually healthy to think about it like you’re looking back, you’re trying to find that original thing that you were drawn to that maybe you were scared away from, or maybe through a counselor, or parents, somebody told you, you know, you shouldn’t be doing that. And for me, it’s always been intimacy, I’ve always had a desire for that. So I look at my passion as not finding it, but really just going back and getting it.

Alex Beadon 5:23
Yeah. And what’s also really interesting about your story is that the passion that you’ve always had, since you’re a little girl, is something that is quite taboo and something that a lot of people frown upon, and is not to be spoken about, especially as a woman. And so I’d love to hear you talk about the struggles that you had in really stepping into this as a career for you. Because I can only imagine that must have been incredibly difficult. And even so because of the fact that it’s a taboo topic.

Shannon Boodram 5:58
Exactly, I think you’ve hit all the right nails on the head for that. And I’m very patient with people in regards to where they’re at with their comfort level with sexuality, because I feel like I’ve experienced all of them myself. So I’m never like, come on three more liberated because I looked back at, you know, 25 year old Shannon, whose book just came out, but had this still shame. You know, I had this book out in stores, I remember trying to convince them like, Please don’t call it laid, let’s call it something else. Let’s call it something softer, like, just because I was ashamed to have this book that was so obviously about sex. And it definitely took a long time, the very first time I told my parents about what I was doing. Mind you, I did it in like a sneaky way I was writing my book laid. And I really needed to collect stories, because laid was all about like, let’s all educate each one, teach one. But let’s do it in an interesting way by sharing our experiences so others can learn vicariously. And so I had to tell my story in order to collect other stories. So I put the story online, of how I lost my virginity. And it wasn’t, you know, a cautionary tale tale story. It was just, it was like exactly how I would tell a best friend, now my internet experience and end up being great. But I described the sex I describe the feelings that I have this person I described the second time that we had sex the next day. And so I sent this story and this website to my parents and said, This is what I’m doing while they were on vacation. And my mom came back like four days later, still equally as angry, I’m sure as when she first read it, and her reaction was like, boys are going to be laughing and masturbating at you, they’re going to be in groups, just reading your story and laughing and masturbating. I was like, you’ve obviously never hung out with dudes before one. But number two, like that was like the base fear that everybody would just abuse me and think down upon me and look at me as a porn star. And, you know, I carried bits of those. And obviously, that place of fear was at a place of protection. She just didn’t want to see me exact like marginalized or abused in that way. And it definitely did take me a while. And so once my at 19, I was really proud. And then around 20 to 23, when I was talking about it in college, because I went to school for journalism, I felt the shame from them when they told me that like, maybe you should change the topic that you’re writing about. Or there’s oftentimes they would say, Hey, you can’t promote your website, which was the one looking for stories. And then my book finally came out again, I was like trying to change the title to make it softer. And then after late and I finished promoting that I went to University of Toronto got my sex education counselor certification, I was working in the offices there. And about a year after that when the book died down there with all the hype died down, I was kind of like, maybe I just want to be a feminist writer, maybe I want to be a musical writer, I don’t know if I want to be a sex education writer. And so I shied away from that place for some time. And I joined this website called those girls are wild. And it was just doing general female empowerment. And it was a good time in my life. But it was, you know, kind of a last vague time. And it wasn’t until I moved to California within 2014 that I really, really embraced the role, went back to school and said, No, this is what I do for a living. No, this is what I talk about. And even in those past four years of doing that, and reclaiming this space, there’s definitely been some hiccups for me where I have felt that creep up of shame. So it’s a constant battle inside of myself. So I can only imagine people who don’t devote themselves to this topic area, how it must be a struggle for them.

Alex Beadon 9:20
And even I remember and I can’t remember the details. I remember I watched one of your videos, and you were saying how an opportunity came up. And then basically, they gave you the job found out about your YouTube channel online, and then pretty much took it back and they were like, well, you know, we can have someone who’s talking about these things representing us. How do you deal with that? Like, how do you find it inside of you to be like, I know that this is what I’m here to do and that and that this work is good and also like, because there must be a lot of self doubt and like second guessing yourself like Well, are they right? You know what I mean?

Shannon Boodram 9:58
Absolutely. And at that time I’m the because it was like they were offering $10,000. And at the time, that would have been the world to me like that would have made a massive difference between struggling to put together rent struggling to survive, and like being okay for a few months. And so it wasn’t like a job that I was like, oh, whatever I just missed out on it, it really, really did crush me. And I’m so proud of myself, like looking back with all these little moments. I’m like, I wish I could just hug you and say thank you. And I wish when I was two, three days ago, we me and my partner were walking on Sunset Boulevard. And when I first moved to LA, I moved with nothing, no job, nowhere to live. And like no idea how I was going to make it in this town. And we stayed at this place called like, the Comfort Inn, or the it was called the American inn or something. It was some motel. And I was walking every day to this restaurant called Tender Greens. And I was walking down the street a few days ago. And I’m like, I wish I could pass my past self and like, Just tell her on the way like, you’ll be fine. I wish I could just like give her a quick hug or like whisper in her ear. Like, don’t feel afraid right now, I know you’re afraid. And this is a hard thing to do. But like you’re going to it’s going to work out okay for you. But I’m just I don’t know, I’m an awesome times. And I was able to push through and even now like I I’m really good. I’m a very good stage host. I’m very good at presenting, I went to school for journalism. So I understand storytelling, I really could do PR, there’s a lot of great bass tools I think I have which makes me really good at my job as a sexual speaker and amplifier for a message. And I hosted this event last week called we gather and it was like a feminist event. And it wasn’t about sexuality. And then afterwards, producer came up to me and said, No, you really could do other stuff, you really could do other hosting. And I was like, Man, I know, I don’t want to do this. I don’t mind doing these as one offs. But I don’t want to skew my career towards being a general when I have a niche that I’m really passionate about. And now I can say that because I’m doing fine in this industry. But I think that that that took a while just to really be like, No, it’s okay, I’ll lose other jobs. I’ll say no to other things. I know where my lane is. And I’m really, really happy swimming there.

Alex Beadon 12:08
So what would you say your mission is? Or your purposes? Like, what is it that you’re trying to achieve in this lifetime, with all of the things that you’re doing and creating?

Shannon Boodram 12:18
I mean, I see it all the time in my comments. It’s just people who say things like you changed my sex life or my perspective on relationships, or because of you like I’ve gotten out of bad relationships and where I was two years ago in terms of intimacy is nowhere compared to where I am now. And even people who are like this one person tweeted, didn’t follow me. But there’s one person tweeted, I think the relationship expert sex expert role is bullshit. And the girl tweeted back to her, Do you know who Shan booty is like, you should watch this stuff. It’s not bullshit. Like, you won’t be able to help but look at your life and your romantic life in a scientific way after watching her videos, and that’s what I really want. I want for people to be like, Okay, hang on, how do I actually get good at intimacy? Because I don’t think that we often are, have the thought process that we have to get good. Most people think we just fall into it. And I actually had an experience the other day where this I went out for dinner with this girl and she was telling me her love life woes and the drama she was going through. And she was like, I don’t know why. But I fell in love with my friends would benefits. And I was like, I do know why it’s there’s a biological link that happens when people have sex together. If you’re not aware of that. It’s kind of like being like, I fell in love with pizza. And I’m not sure why. Like, there’s clear reasons why we are attracted to certain things that we interact with on a consistent basis. If you fall in love with cigarettes, you wouldn’t be like, I have no idea why I’m addicted, we have an understanding of the chemical bond that’s happening. But when it comes to love and romance, we have no clue. And so I was trying to explain to her and she was like, Oh, well, you know, I don’t like like to learn about that stuff. I just prefer to experience it. I’m like, Okay, we’ll be miserable. Like, it’s just somebody who just like, No, I don’t really want to learn. And so the people who do and who are nerds about it and want it to be a really, really powerful and controlled part of their life. Like just I think the same way with diet, there’s some people who don’t want to learn and just wanting to be like, whatever, I just eat what I want, which may work for you. But I think it’s much more empowering and magical to me to come from a position of knowledge, and to come from a position of self awareness. And so that’s what I really want for people is to have that same confidence that I know what’s going on. And I know how to make the right decisions for myself.

Alex Beadon 14:26
Yeah. So for me looking at your YouTube channel, it’s just so interesting to hear you say like, you know, what, you what is your purpose because from my perspective, I look at it and I’m like, here’s this woman who is so intelligent and so well spoken, and you speak about this subject sex and relationships and love and all that jazz, in a way that like when I tell people about your channel, they kind of give me this weird look like why would I want to look at that because they think it’s gonna be this trashy, like, you know what I mean? Like this just negative space that It is trashy because I think that’s what people’s idea of anything related to sex would be. And I’m like, no, she does it in such an educational way. And in such, just such an empowering way. And I feel like it’s so interesting to me because this is a subject that I feel like, needs a voice hasn’t been able to have a voice throughout the history of time. And now with the internet, people like you are able to come out and be like, Okay, I love this. I want to talk about it. I want to shine a light on it. And I think it’s just so empowering to see someone be like, it doesn’t have to be trashy doesn’t have to be the shameful thing. Like everyone does it everyone experiences it. So I just think it’s so beautiful, what you do.

Shannon Boodram 15:42
Thank you so much. It’s so loving. And it’s one of those things that I love. Because at this point, I have over 200 videos. So whenever someone says to me, I watched one of your videos, I just hold my breath to see like which one because there’s there are trashing ones that I’m really proud of, actually, and there are silly ones and there are hair ones like and so now this one, like whatever video you are drawn to, I mean to me says more about you and your interest and does about me. So my mom, for example, said that a doctor, she told one of her doctor friends that like oh, my daughter does this thing talks about sex and it’s obviously her channel. And the next day he approached you like, Oh, I saw one of her videos. Gemma, which one do you watch? It’s something about sexual private dancing. And, you know, he’s a good passing judgment. But as a mom, I don’t feel a way like there was 200 videos. This video he clicked on. Like of all the titles that he saw, that is the one that man was like, I’m gonna watch this one. So that says more about you than me. If that’s what you were drawn to then like so be it. That’s what I put it out there for my sexuality and I think it’s like a proud part of it. And if you watch the makeup video, great if you watch the pre come one on one video, or what does birth control do in the body? Or if you watch like, what is your love language, it doesn’t matter to me at this point, all the information is there, whatever your entry point is, I’m just glad people showed up.

Alex Beadon 16:56
It’s interesting to hear you say I have trashy videos, and I’m proud of them. Because to me, I look at all of those videos. And I’m like, I still think they’re all incredibly tastefully done. You know, like, I don’t look at any of them and think like, oh, like that’s, I don’t know. So it’s just, it’s interesting to hear you say that. And you’re right, like people are gonna watch it and take whatever it is that they take from it. But I just love that, like you own it. And it’s out there and you love it. And it’s just, it’s awesome. So I love it. Thank you. My next question for you is so I look at you as someone who’s really just gone all in, in building your personal brand, and then really figuring out how to create revenue streams from there, like how are you going to make money? But you’re always building your personal brand. I think that’s really like the core of what it is that you do. So I’m curious, would you describe yourself as an entrepreneur? Or would you say that you have your own business? Or how would you describe what it is that you do?

Shannon Boodram 17:55
I don’t know. I mean, like to describe myself as like Martha Stewart for intimacy, because I think there’s a lot of media personalities like who do what I do, like there’s Joe Rogan. And there’s Rachel Roy, who attach themselves to a lifestyle to a brand to an idea. And then they spread out on many different mediums and platforms to create a living for themselves. So Martha Stewart, for example, when you think of DIY and home decor, or maybe cooking, you think of her name and the top five. And when you do think of Martha Stewart, there’s many ways to interact with her, whether that’s buying her sheets at Kmart or it’s going through a website or purchasing her book or watching her showing VH one you’re seeing her on Comedy Central like but all that she does kind of relates back she never even when she was on Comedy Central the roast, she plugged her sheets. So I think that that type of monoculture that’s diversified in many different mediums is how I envision my career going. Is that person entrepreneur? Yeah, of course. I mean this. I answered that question as I was saying it. So yes, I do. I guess because I’m not really selling an item right now. And that’s one of the things I think I have to definitely work on. Because there’s some people who do it like Matthew Hussey, who’s a dating expert, there’s a formula that you should take if you’re going to be a digital personality, which is like, you sell seminars or you sell ebooks, and then you do this thing where you collect emails, and you give out a free gift. And then you mail them every two days. Like there’s a system in place to do it that like I don’t feel that I do particularly amazing. So I guess I shy away from the term entrepreneur because I’m not a well oiled business. But I work so yeah, I work a lot.

Alex Beadon 19:34
So it’s interesting to me to hear you say all of that, because I’ve always kind of wondered because I’m in that space like why you never ventured into that space. And then But then I see what you’re doing and you seem to be doing just fine like in your own way because I see you’re doing like sponsorships brand collaborations like you have your YouTube channel. I know you’re selling your necklace you’ve got sometimes I see you’re offering one on one coaching. You did the full screen series. Now you’ve got the Facebook show make up or break up. So like I see you doing lots of different things. And I’m curious about like, is there a strategy behind what you do? Do you ever Are you like sitting down and being like, okay, like, I need to find this project this project, like, how do you go about finding these opportunities for yourself? And what is the process for you behind being like, Okay, I need to make some money right now, what am I going to do to make it happen? Because really, and correct me if I’m wrong, it is in your hands. Right?

Shannon Boodram 20:27
Yeah, I mean, a wish. And that’s, you know, these are honestly great questions that I wish that there was like a long term strategy, I honestly feel vary day to day. And that can be problematic, because when things have momentum, I did a video once about kicking the ball and like momentum. And so if I’m in videos, yeah, and I’ve come into learning, there’s a lot in life that points back to us in there’s a lot in life that points back to us. And so it’s a catch 22. Because I do do things like YouTube, which is constantly putting out work and putting out energy into the world. Even social media is putting out energy into the world. I do my consistent one on one counseling services every single week. So I do have some consistent stuff that I work on. But no, I mean, am I creating an email database on YouTube going about from that perspective, and ensuring that even if I get no more jobs, no more opportunities, I’ve still collected, you know, 5000, like mines, that that, for me is always my base. I think that that’s a lesson I’d probably give to somebody when someone ever talks to me about wanting to build a brand or something similar to mine. I’m like, start with the business first, and then add the creative on top. Because I’m somebody who started with creative first and then was like, oh, yeah, I kind of have to make money off this. What’s that business thing. And it’s easy now. Because brand deals come to me and I’m an one of the known names in the space. And so if you’re a company who’s selling organic tampons, you’re gonna be like, Okay, let’s sell to these five, help these five influencers out or ask them to help us. But when I’m no longer in that space, or there’s new names that come up, and I’m going to have to find a way to reinvent. So that I think is the advice I would give to any person who’s in that sort of left right brain. That’s where we exist. We’re creatives, but we’re also business people start with the business first and add the creative on top. And even if you’re only having a business that’s structured around 10 People who are your audience, I mean, if that grows, you’re always going to have that base versus for me, it’s this massive catch up game. But it’s going well now, but this is a story of everybody, right? They’re doing really, really well. When they’re hot, they’re hot, and then when it’s over, they have nothing to fall back on. So I’m trying to work backwards, but that doesn’t happen to me. Right?

Alex Beadon 22:32
That’s super interesting. So do you have a team that you work with?

Shannon Boodram 22:36
It’s like I get asked, asked about bah, bah, bah. I actually like asked this question like two days ago, and I was kind of like reluctant. I do and I don’t, I have a very big management umbrella. Like there’s a lot of people in the sham booty. Percentage cut. I mean, I have a manager. I have an agency. I have a lawyer. I have a PR person. But Is anyone doing the day to day work? No.

Alex Beadon 23:03
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Shannon Boodram 23:50
Is anybody helping out with Creatives or writing stuff for me? Or working on treatments with me? Or really even for PR? Are they doing like my daily pitches or coming up with different stuff? No. They’re there for like to secure opportunities or to find things that are to catch things, I guess that it would be out of my scope. But the daily work? No, I It’s all me. That’s really

Alex Beadon 24:11
cool. Okay, so we’re gonna move into talking about YouTube now because I’m really curious to just pick your brain on what it’s like being a YouTuber. As of right now, I just checked you have 294,000 YouTube subscribers. So you’re like creeping up to that 300,000 mark, which is definitely a huge accomplishment, some accomplishment and something to be very, very proud of. But you started making YouTube videos four years ago, I think or at least that’s when your first video that I could possibly find was but I know that you had you were kind of playing around with it before your current channel. So tell us a little bit about your YouTube journey.

Shannon Boodram 24:47
Yes. And so in 2009, my book lead came out and I had no way to promote that I had no audience. I just I didn’t know how you’re supposed to launch at a publishing company. And I was under the impression that they would do it all but I think the more that you grow into these spaces, you realize, like nobody can do a lot of these jobs in terms of promoting yourself better than you. And so I started a website with a friend of mine who was on Degrassi who had a big following, which was a massive help for me, because she already had a name. And so it allowed me to create a space that was familiar to people. And I pushed my book through that we parted ways in 2011. And in 2012, I started my new my new YouTube channel, but I didn’t post on it at all. And it was kind of like a place of like feeling, because I suppose in the early wave of YouTube, where people weren’t really making a career out of it, and I’m like, What’s the point of me doing this, I might as well put all my attention on traditional media. And that’s what I did from 2012 to 2015. I only use YouTube, if you look back at like the videos I posted, they were mostly like, if I was on a TV segment, I would dump it over there. You know, if I had and the videos came up, like once every six months, or once every three months, maybe I’d post out for one month, and then I’d stopped for seven or eight. And I was really focused on trying to find a TV job that wouldn’t really allow me again, to get myself in that Martha Stewart space. And I did four pilots in LA, back to back for pilots neck, I don’t mean back to back, because how pilots work is that you shoot something you get locked up in this deal when they decide to decide if they want to pick it up or not. That means like you get one paycheck for six months. And then they say no, and then you’re back scrambling for another thing. And so I was like, basically caught up in these contracts for six months at a time. And the fourth one that happened was his MTV show, it was called unprotected text. It just felt really great to me, I knew it would be the one I’m like, this is the reason why this is why all my struggles happen. This all makes sense. Like this job was meant to save me and this will be my story. And short, and I had the worst year that year two was the most horrific year probably experienced in my life in 2015. And when that show also didn’t get picked up, I was like, what now? Like, what is my story, you know, when, and that’s one of my favorite quotes is you cannot connect the dots looking forward. And I had a really big habit of doing that. I’d be like, Oh, this goes here that goes there. And then it turns into a star and then I’m successful and life is great. And then when that doesn’t happen or come to fruition, you’re like, left devastated. And that’s where I was, and just had this thought immediately after like, how about YouTube? How about a space where the content that I put out actually get seen by people? How about a space where I’m in control how but I actually try there. And it was very difficult to try again in 2015. Because at that time, one of my friends Shameless Maya, for example, was killing it. I had a bunch of other YouTube people that I knew from over the years, or industry, people who had millions of followers or hundreds of 1000s. And so for me to start back up and make videos that were getting 1200 views, 400 views, like it was kind of embarrassing. It was a really difficult start. And I talked about this one of my videos how I bought views at that time, because I just I wouldn’t, I was so embarrassed to share, Oh, watch this video and one of my friends who like had a following to go click on it and be like, Oh, my God, she’s only getting 300 views right now. And that helped me a lot though, too, because in the first six months that I was starting YouTube, again, I was so hungry to get out of that space. I was such a hustler. And I gained 100,000 subscribers in six months, because I leveraged all of the people that I knew who had a following. And I was like, let’s collab. And I just moved and hustled, and like there’s a few times in my life, I look back, and I’m like, I’m really proud of you like writing my book was definitely one of them. And restarting YouTube, again, is another time that I’m like, I really, really, you know, did something wonderful. And I almost wish I could get back to that space. But mind you, I’ve kind of like, tapped out all my contacts, I gotta find new ones. But YouTube definitely is a wonderful vehicle. It’s a great way to teach yourself, it’s still a great way to challenge yourself. And you have to be in all positions, you got a program director, you are the marketer, you are the HR, you are the publicist, you are the camera person, the lighter the sound engineer, there’s so much learning that you can do if you want to get great at it, there’s a really great opportunity to experience a massive amount of self growth in this industry in a short span of time. I don’t know if it’s the hard thing about YouTube going forward for me is that it’s the one space that doesn’t grow with everything else. And so if you are not dedicating yourself to YouTube, YouTube does not love you. And it doesn’t matter if like no, I’m actually working on this really great show now or I got this podcasting deal or I’m writing a book right now like guys stick around, they’re like, Well, no, you’re not posting you know, every Tuesday that challenge video so we hate you. So that’s the hard thing about it is that you can’t It’s its own separate business model, which I’m trying to navigate how to balance that now as my life gets busier, but I never really want to like turn my back on YouTube again. So I’m trying to find a way to make that balance happen because again, I do really value that space.

Alex Beadon 29:52
Yeah, for sure. And how would you say that it has definitely been a vital part of it. You’re getting

Shannon Boodram 30:00
opportunities

Alex Beadon 30:02
in your career from YouTube.

Shannon Boodram 30:04
Oh, girl 100,000% I 100,000% YouTube. And I think again, especially if you’re telling a unique story, I mean, if you’re telling a story of beauty or inspiration or a typical human interest story, I think there may be other ways, but because I’m telling the story of intimacy and sexuality, and there is so much curiosity of how I’m gonna tell that story, or what I’m going to say, I think YouTube really allowed me to shape and shape people’s understanding and get them comfortable with the brand. And I’ve gotten a lot of brand deals from companies who normally wouldn’t work in the sex, sex space, or the sex education space, I think because of my YouTube channel and getting comfortable with the way I deliver. So I don’t think without that, I could have gotten probably, you know, it is a launching pad for everything. And where I’m at right now, in my career, it is, it’s a launching pad. So I have I owe so much. So, so, so much to YouTube.

Alex Beadon 31:00
Yeah, it’s amazing to me. So I’ve been doing YouTube for like, I don’t know, five years. And to be honest with you, I’ve always just used it as a place to host my videos, like, I’ve never really used it as like, Oh, I’m gonna focus on like growing my audience here. It’s really just been a place where I put my videos so that I can then embed them into my blog. And what ended up happening is that so many people were finding me through YouTube, keep in mind, my audience is super small. So I just hit 30,000 subscribers, yay, congratulations, thank you. But I feel like for me,

Shannon Boodram 31:34
bigger, crazy world we live in that we say just 30,000 I know, it’s a lot of

Alex Beadon 31:39
people. But what I always tell people just 30,000 Because I’m like, there are people who have millions and millions and millions. But I think for what what I do, because it’s so niche, like, I will never be someone who has, you know, millions of subscribers, because what I do doesn’t appeal to everyone. But yet, I still find so much value from creating content, number one, because I feel like it allows me to, or at least when I first started, it really allowed me to find my voice, you know, and really learn who I am. What it is that makes me special and different and how I relate to my audience. And I think it really helped me find my people. And so I can’t remember where I heard this somewhere. In one of your videos, you were basically talking about the difference between the people who follow you, maybe on YouTube, especially in the early days, like your core audience, and then the people who you might who might find you through doing something like I know you did that show on the view, who you know, they’re not your people, they’re not your audience. So I’d love for you to talk to us a little bit about the difference between the audience that you find on YouTube and the audience that you find elsewhere. Yeah,

Shannon Boodram 32:49
I mean, it’s getting harder and harder to kind of decipher. I do know in particular times, like, my core audience is you my core audience are people who have an active interest in learning about intimacy relationships are just in building connections with people and who are like, I want this content. And they come from many different places. I think the outside audience with people who don’t want that, but somehow stumble upon me. So for example, I did a collab via with the Hodgetwins, which has done really well for me, it’s like, like 400,000 plus views, but their audience I honestly, I love the Hodgetwins they’re really really cool guys, but have you ever watched Handmaid’s Tale? Their audience are like I don’t, they’re just, they are those people who would if they had the chance, put women back in the 1800s. They are sexist, they are nasty. They are just like, I don’t just racist, bigoted, just awful people. And I always know whenever that video for whatever reason hits a spike in views, because I’ll just get a wave of abusive comments all across my channels. And it always sources back to like, oh, there’s a lot of comments happening on this videos, they’re hopping over to other stuff, and they’re just spreading. And it’s difficult, like the view was a really good a great example, again, because I can get very accustomed to talking to you talking to people who understand and who are open minded and who want to learn and who have a certain level of respect. And it’s great, but there are people who have spent a very long time repressing and building up a wall, there are people who have done a lot of work to create a negative narrative in their mind. And when someone comes challenge that they just approach that like attack. And I have to come to expect that because it’s a very sensitive area that I’m talking about that people have beliefs they have had for generations sometimes. And it’s not up to me in one video to change their mind. But that video is there for them as well to it is there for them to see a new perspective, even if they reject it right away or call me all the names in the book or meet me with so much aggression. I have to hope that a maybe a bit of that seeps into their psyche and starts a small you know, spur of change but it that’s the part of putting yourself out there Yes, you, you can’t just want your audience, you can, you know, I think your audience should be 70% Your people because otherwise, I see some people who their platform is mostly negative and mostly attacking and like, Oh, it’s too much for your soul. But it is you do have to get the other people who don’t want you who don’t want your message and who don’t like what you have to say, because that’s who needs to hear what you have to say. And that’s, that’s been something that I struggle with, because I’m definitely a I’m not like one of those, like, take it on the chin kind of people. I’m very aggressive myself. And so you’ll see me like fighting in the comments. And my partner is somebody who is constantly being like, can you stop commenting back and do not do that? Or just block them? Why are you putting this energy out there? But I’m like, No, in real life, you could never talk to me without getting a debate out of me, you could never do that. And I think one thing I learned from the view, it’s a version again, it’s like one of those versions of myself that I’m like, I’m so proud of you because like that’s not the everyday me. That’s the thing too, is that there’s a lot of parts that I’m like, There’s sometimes I do shitty things like, Oh, that’s not a true reflection of me. And there’s sometimes I do great things. I’m like, That is not who I am most of the time. So I think it’s it comes with both, like knowing that, like, I’m not my best self, I’m not my worst self. I’m somewhere in between. But I watched myself on the view and the way that I handled their negativity. I’m like, I wish I could do that all the time. Because it was with grace. And it was with understanding and it was understanding that they’re attacking from a personal place. And if I was more accepting that they were willing to mirror that slightly towards the end. And so that’s going forward how I like to address people, but for sure, I’m just as likely to call them a basement dwelling loser.

Alex Beadon 36:41
I love it. So how do you feel about being an influencer? I think, you know, you’ve been in this space for a long time, I’ve been using social media for a long time as well, way before, like being a YouTuber was ever a thing. And so for me, I’ve looked at how social media has come and I feel like it was a really sweet place. And now it has kind of turned into this hit or miss place where I’m I’m just seeing so many people use it for great things like you, I look at you. And I’m like, Yes, like you’re, you’re moving forward, you’re moving towards a purpose. And then I see other people and sometimes I’m just like, okay, but like, is this ego driven? Like, what’s the part? Like, there’s a depth, you know, so I’m curious about your thoughts on the landscape of being an influenza?

Shannon Boodram 37:25
I like it, I think that yeah, to your point, like the word kind of gets like wrapped up in flat tummy tea and hair vitamins, which I just did, actually recently. So I don’t know, I think I like it. It’s a beautiful word. It’s a really, really, if you just break it down into very honoring word. I used to do background in movies. And that’s what we were called background like, you know, like background onset. And that’s not a nice title. And when you break it down for what that means, it means like, you’re just you’re just in the background, like, we don’t want to see you, you we don’t want to experience you like, we don’t want to hear you for sure. Like we just want you to be somewhere behind. And the term influencer is really, really nice. So I mean, I feel all the things that you feel about it, but I’ve kind of come to sort of enjoy it in a way for what it is, even though it can feel a bit fruity. I don’t think it is for me, but it can feel that way. Yeah. Um,

Alex Beadon 38:18
so my next question for you is your video. My career is not a fairy tale for anyone listening. That video, I think is my favorite video that you’ve ever done, Michael, wow, not a fairy tale, I just absolutely loved how you showed up. And you were so honest. And basically, the premise of the video was that, you know, you’re not always experiencing all of the highs in your career that you wish you were experiencing. And you kind of spoke about, you know, what it really means to be successful. And you had this great analogy of like the waves and how there’s big waves and small waves. And so I would love for you to talk a little on that. Because I know there’s so many people who are dealing with rejection and who feel very discouraged that their business isn’t going the way that they wanted it to go. Their career is not going the way they wanted it to go. And I think a lot of people just give up. And what I love about you is that you always find the beauty in Okay, yeah, things aren’t going the way I want them to go. But like, I’m going to figure it out. And I’m just going to keep moving forward and kicking the ball. So talk to us a little bit about that.

Shannon Boodram 39:24
Yeah, I also think that that’s a part of our job is you have to constantly create a storyline, a narrative, and if there’s nothing happening for you, that’s something to talk about. And that’s a beautiful space about YouTube where it encourages that kind of honesty. And so there should always be something you can create whenever you’re stumped for like I have nothing to say nothing to contribute, that’s what you have to contribute. And so I think when I go to those videos, like you know, Does God hate me and I have a bunch of them that are kind of like that, that are you know how to get naked and when they’re all coming from a space of like, nothing is going good. So like let’s talk about that. Nothing is And that’s a big part of the career that we’re in. Like right now. I am on the show I’m on Facebook’s makeup or breakup. It’s my first series I’ve done so many pilots are so many one off projects, or short term, I worked for MTV as guide to series last year, which again was it was great or full screen, of course. But there’s short term series of like a month, and you shoot and it’s over. Whereas in this show is my first like, six month job like I’ve never had that before. I’m I’m on it from September to February. So for this next six months, I don’t have to feel that sense of like, what’s next, or what am I doing. But in February, I’m very likely to be like, now what because what happens is when we’re working in, we’re on projects, and we’re being productive, we feel really great and energized. But it’s not as if we are, I don’t even know Julia Roberts, where we come off one set and go to the next, if you try to book Will Smith, he’s booked for the next three years. And that’s not the truth. For most creatives, most creatives, you have these really quick spurts. And it’s like I used the analogy of kicking a ball that you’re trying to get to the other side of the field, that you just want that ball to keep rolling, because you’re carrying so much, and it’s very, very exhausting for you. And so you kick the ball and you watch it roll you like, yes, it’s gonna make the other side. And then it stops. And you’d have to pick up all of your stuff, including your pride, your baggage is your home, whatever your relationship, walk towards that ball again, and kick it again. And then you hoping it’s gonna roll this time, but it only goes one more foot, and you got to do the whole thing all over again. And that’s exhausting. But that’s a part of the work that we do. And I was saying to my friend, Ari, one of the things that I kind of realized about life in general is that we’re expecting to have these great years, and we’re expecting to have these great careers and like is really, you know, our 20s to be amazing. I’m like, it doesn’t work that way. You start off having good days, or good day. I’ve had an act 2012 I had one incredible day that year where I was booked on set, I shot this pilot for one day, it was magical. And the rest of the year sucked. No, not subdue. Of course I wasn’t, it was great. I was healthy, everything’s great. But I just mean, in terms of my career, nothing else happened. And the following year, maybe I had one good week, one good week that like of the 52 of the year that I actually felt like I was in my purpose. And then the following year after that, maybe I had three weeks, and then it was a month. And then maybe I had one good quarter. Last year, I had a good six months. And then six months, I was like, What am I doing? How am I making money? What’s my purpose. And this year, I’ve kind of had a good nine months, you know, it’s been a really full situation. Now next year, I can go back to one day, who knows how it goes. But hopefully I’m building up to having a good year and then having good years, but it took time. And part of momentum isn’t like I do one thing. And now everything is great, which for some people it is. But for a lot of people momentum is like you have to really get close to see it. It’s happening on a microscopic level. It’s not even happening in the form of a ball rolling, it’s even like it’s electrons are slowly moving forward. It’s particles that are like inch by inch. It’s cells that are building, it’s slow, but it is happening. And after some time the momentum starts to get faster. I think that if we all have in the back of our mind that we’re not owed a good year, and it could take some time and if we love the process, and it’s a lot easier to stick it through.

Alex Beadon 43:18
And was that? Did it take you a long time to learn that like was it? Did you always have like this inner knowing that it’s just something you have to accept and just keep rolling with? Or is that something you’ve really had to work on as time has gone?

Shannon Boodram 43:30
Oh, hell no. You You saw me complain. So many tears, so many complaints. And it’s like, even right now watch my partner. He is a rapper. And so his career like he’s just getting started like with labels, he writes hooks for different rappers and like has is producing and just getting his you know, those those days at this point, there’s good days happening and great meetings that happened that would nothing following up. And there’s so much sensitivity and just rawness around his career. And I almost try to be that person that I want to be for myself four years ago who whispered in my ear is going to be okay, I try and be that for him. But it goes to that point, like you really cannot connect the dots looking forward. And it’s so easy for me now to say that I make. I’m in the top five percentile of income in America. And it’s easy for me to be like oh, you know, it all will work out and just keep working. And it’s all great because I’m here so it’s easy to say that when you’re in it, it’s you cannot tell that person that you can because it’s like nice to in the back of your mind. But even when you are that person you’re like that’s going to work for you but not me because you still have that doubt and you have no idea if it will ever come together so you can tell yourself those things. It’s nice to hear and I definitely tried to create as many of those quotables for myself or little life lessons. It’s not until you’re out of it that you actually get to sit in those sayings and those mantras and know that they are our true to them. But it’s no no no no no at the time I’m all tears and everything is the worst and I’m constantly like looking for jobs in the newspaper because I think I’m never Ready to work again. That’s where I’m that usually.

Alex Beadon 45:02
I love it. And I love that in those videos, you just show up and you’re like this format is so open and honest. And I think that’s just so I just love that about you so much. How do you balance growth in business with growth in like his, from all of the videos I’ve watched, like you seem super career driven, and purpose driven. But at the same time, you have the self awareness about like, what life is all about and enjoying your relationships and being in your body and yourself. So I’m curious for what that’s like for you. How do you balance growth and business being a hustler with the flow of life?

Shannon Boodram 45:39
What’s really dope about my job is that they’re both the same. And they’re like, every time that for example, yesterday, my makeup or breakup show, and I’m, it’s my job and to what I’m doing, but it’s like, there’s some things there. A lot of that is intimacy, building and intimacy, education, I’m learning things, we had this model that I’ve never heard of before, which is child, the child child to parent and adult to adult, which is the three ways that we should interact with each other within a relationship. And there has to be a balance. I’m like, Oh, I don’t know that. I’ve never heard of that before. So I’m always learning. I’m listening to audiobooks, I’m reading content, I’m meeting amazing people and having conversations with psychologists or therapists who I’m like, You have such beautiful insight. So I know I’m, like really fortunate to be in the space of, I think, I don’t know, whenever people tell me, they wanted to follow my footsteps and do what I do. I’m like, You should. It’s incredible. It’s awesome. It’s so fulfilling. And it doesn’t just help me in my romantic relationships, it helps me when I go and buy a piece of pizza, it helps me in my interactions with my bosses. Knowing how to connect with people is an invaluable tool that has furthered my life and every single aspect. There are some things like I’m not great, I’m awful at finance. You know, I’m awful at a lot of adulting things. I don’t think about cars. So I mean, for sure, my life has not allowed me to develop in areas I think would be useful for somebody my age. But in terms of just having a pleasant life and connecting with people and working well and cooperation based society, like I owe that all to the research that I’ve done. And that happens to be what I get paid to

Alex Beadon 47:12
do. That’s so cool. So you and your partner, Jared are both go getters. And I love his music. By the way, I had him on my Spotify, I was so high on Spotify to begin with. I was like, This is so cool. But so yeah, you’re both go getters. You’re chasing your dreams, you’re trying to make things happen. How do you balance that hustler energy between the two of you with actually making quality time for each other? I’m really curious about that dynamic that you guys have.

Shannon Boodram 47:39
It’s so crazy. Because in my previous relationship, I used to hate talking about work, I hated it. I’m like, can we please talk about anything else, because we just didn’t really see eye to eye on a lot. And I had a partner at the time who was very critical. And so I just it brought a lot of arguments. And I was like, I want to work with you like it’s just like, and so I developed this notion that like an ever more romantic relationship, I really want to separate work from it, because it just doesn’t feel comfortable. And I would hear couples who work together and be like, oh, like, how do you do that that just sounds like a recipe for disaster. But when I look back might know that that that relationship was disaster, like it didn’t need any extra help or additives. It wasn’t work. It wasn’t sex, it wasn’t any one thing, it was all of it. Whereas now it’s like, it’s a natural part of me. And so I need to find a partner who like that naturally makes sense that I can share that with I think that works for both of us. Like we had, we had a guest at our house for the past week was his producer from out of town. And so we just barely got a lot of time together. And so after my show, we came home and went for dinner and like the things that we’re talking about our dreams and our goals and like what we want next for the future. And like tomorrow, let’s plan this out. And let’s do this. And so it’s kind of like it’s our both it’s both of who we are. And so I think it’s a natural extension of what we want to share with each other. And it wouldn’t work for me with a partner who didn’t, you know, come from that same space, who didn’t just want to come home and play video games, who didn’t just want to come home and turn off and not think about work, I eat, sleep and breathe. And I remember, you know, in my past relationship, I was out for dinner and I got an email and it was on my phone. And he was like, you don’t have to do that right now. Like, you don’t have to do that. You can just be in the moment. And I’m like, no, no, no, this is me being in the moment. Because like, this excites me. And I would want my partner to be excited about what excites me. It’s like not take that personal look at that as as a choice of you or that it’s like, I can take this news and share it with you and we can have another discussion and elevate the energy level between us because we’re excited about our future that we’re building and it just, it didn’t work, you know, so I think it’s a lot of I credit that to just picking somebody whom I think is a better fit for me. But for sure, I mean, there’s times it’s just knowing when the time is right. There’s times we’re just having sexy time. There’s times when you’re just turning off watching a movie. There’s times when you’re joking around with each other but a large percentage of our relationship is we are each other’s like school counselors. We are each other’s there. peers, we are each other’s managers. And I think that that’s a joyful place to our relationship, not something that we feel like we have to manage at all.

Alex Beadon 50:10
I love that. And I love you. I know you guys had a YouTube channel, and it’s kind of put on pause right now, but I just used to love looking at the videos of you guys together, it’s just so great to see two people who seem to be on the same page and who have such a deep respect for each other.

Shannon Boodram 50:27
So awesome, thank you. Well, I know you get it too. It’s it’s like, I think that’s part of it, too, is like you, there has to be a balance, you know, when you’re doing this, like what’s making a return. And for both of us were like, this is cool. But the amount of work we’re gonna have to put into this to make it something is not something that either one of us want to take away from our main things like, I want to channel that reaches 300,000. You know, I want to grow and get new projects, I want to write a book next year. And this YouTube channel, if you could help it great, but it actually needs a lot of help. And that will be time and taking away from those dreams that I have that to be honest, are bigger dreams. And so it was like an experiment to see if it would grow really quickly. And we always want to do those like, because sometimes you just you hit gold, right? And if you started doing beauty videos, they started hitting goals, like okay, let me do this. But if you start doing beauty videos, I always say to creatives to so many creatives were like I’m you know, I’m really struggling in music. I think I might try YouTubing I’m like that’s not easier. It’s not as if that there’s not an easier choice. Like if you’re struggling there, it’s going to be the same work somewhere else. So we can try it out. Like if you want to see like, Oh, what if I started rapping would I become popular in a month. And if after a month, I wasn’t popular, I’d like you know, I’ll go back to doing sex education, because that’s hard. But this is hard, too. So I think we were just trying to see if it would be something that was like a overnight success. And when we knew it wasn’t going to be we’re both like not, we’re not ready to do the work for that. And I think that that’s an important thing for creative to be able to do. You can take risks, but you have to know when to pull out and when to do that quickly. And I think that quitting and learning how to quit is something that has taken me some time to pick up and I’m actually really proud of that skill set. Oh,

Alex Beadon 52:09
I love that. You said that so much. Because so often we feel like we’re almost married to the projects that we’ve committed ourselves to. And I just love that you’re just like, Yeah, it’s cool to quit, if it’s not working, if it’s not generating whatever it was that you wanted it to like cut your losses and move on.

Shannon Boodram 52:25
I like quit all the time. I am like I’m queen quitter. I started doing podcasting, like daily podcasting in you know, a few months ago. And then like a few, two, three months later, I’m like, this is not working. And I quit. But why did you stop doing that? Because it wasn’t what I wasn’t getting the results I expected and it was like becoming a mental drain for me. And don’t get me wrong, I get that persistence and consistency and you know, investment. But I’m like I do that already on other areas. Like I don’t have any more grind in me if it was going to be easy. Great. It’s not cool. I’m done with that.

Alex Beadon 52:56
Yeah, you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. Okay, cool. Um, lastly, I really want to talk to you about how you really take care of yourself. So self care, I want to talk about any daily practices that you have that really support you and your growth. So yeah, can you talk to us a little bit about that?

Shannon Boodram 53:18
Yeah, I mean, I’m again, I’m like, really? Yesterday, we were going for dinner and walking, and Joe made some kind of comment about how hard it is and how hard this time is. And I’m like, Yeah, but we still get to because we were watching we’re walking with this restaurant called Catch and catch is like all SUVs and like fancy cars. We should go inside I’m like nah, like I’m not in the mood I wasn’t in the mood for like, do you have reservations? Or like are you drink and get turned away? It was wasn’t in that mode. And it’s like, oh man is this like this thing is like so hard so much rotate. There’s so much this and I was like, Yeah, but like we’re still going out for dinner. Like, at this time, we’re still gonna wake up tomorrow whenever we want. Like, I’m still going to be able to like work out first or do something cool or talk to Alex like, I think that self care for me is just being able to choose what I want to do shit. Whatever that is like choose when I want to shower choose when I want to chill, choose when I want to take an afternoon nap what I want to wake up. I mean, obviously, some days I don’t have that choice because I have you know, a gig to go to. But by and large like I don’t have a nine to five or, and there’s benefits nine to five, you get to go on vacation. You know, you get to come home from work and not worry about it. You got to have structure. There’s there’s two sides that I never looked down at either one because I know. I know keenly. There’s some personalities that are fit for one and not fit for the other. I’m not fit for a nine to five. Mostly because I’m not like good at being. I’m like I’m good at working with people. I’m not going to work in under people. Right? And I’m like somebody who like if you put certain hours on me I’ll just find myself feeling very tired. So I just think I don’t always think self care is self care isn’t the life that I’ve created for myself. It’s like not even necessarily because I’m I have to go out of my way to do because I’ve spent so much time creating a career that is enjoyable for me that gives me the flexibility that I want. I’ve spent time investing in learning relationships and intimacy and and being able to select a partner, who at this time brings out the best in me and has created exponential growth for me, both emotionally and like monetarily like I’ve, since we’ve been together, I’ve gone from struggling to pay for rent to like, being able to pay other people’s rent and being able to be a contributor, my family in a way that I didn’t envision before. So I think that self care is just like, I don’t know, it’s an everything that I do. I don’t do anything. I do things that I hate, like taxes and shit. But by and large, it’s like a majority of my life is doing things that I enjoy. So I don’t really have to go out of my way to say, Okay, now it’s time for Shannon, because most of my life is like things that, you know, Shannon loves. Oh, I love that

Alex Beadon 55:48
so much. You have no idea. Awesome. Thank you for sharing that. Okay, so I have a few questions that I asked everyone at the end of an interview. So let’s dive in. What is one thing you do that has been a non negotiable in keeping your career successful and on track?

Shannon Boodram 56:05
Preparation, that

Alex Beadon 56:07
share one mindset that every creative needs to succeed?

Shannon Boodram 56:12
Do not connect the dots looking forward, you can only do it looking backwards. Looking forward, you just have to believe in this quote, let me see if I’m right. No, it’s not. It’s a Steve Jobs quote. I will pull it out. Anyways, it’s a Steve Jobs quote that basically says that, like, at some point, you got to just believe in something, you have to have a vision and just go for it. Don’t expect for everything to fall into place first, before you have that thing. And so you cannot connect the dots looking forward, you can only do it looking backwards. So don’t try to assume that if you do this, that that will happen. Because it probably won’t. And you’re going to be devastated if you tell yourself that it will. I love

Alex Beadon 56:49
that so much because it also required it sparks a trust in you that this is taking you in the right direction even if you can’t see it. That’s beautiful. Um, so these are fill in the blank questions. So the world would be a better place if more people knew themselves. That’s good. The book that changed my life was

Shannon Boodram 57:10
the social animal by David Brooks.

Alex Beadon 57:13
That’s a check that one out I’ve never read it. And last question off the top of your head. Who would you like to see me interview next? Oprah thank you so much, Shannon. I love you so much. And I’m just so happy that we got to talk today. I feel like people are gonna listen to this and take so much out of it. So thank you so much.

Shannon Boodram 57:37
Congratulations on starting your podcast and all your ventures congratulations on interviewing Oprah who knows when I’m not saying the next one. But I definitely think that that’s where you’re heading. Thank you. You’re just been awesome. Such a great uplifting lights. I appreciate this interview.

Alex Beadon 57:52
Thank you so much. Have a wonderful weekend.

Shannon Boodram 57:54
Bye You too. Bye girl.

Alex Beadon 57:55
Bye bye. Thank you so much for tuning into the on purpose podcast and I really hope that you had as much of a blast as we did. If you liked what you heard and want even more, make sure you leave a review because it really helps support what I do here on the podcast. All you have to do is search the podcast app for the on purpose podcast, select it then scroll down until you see write a review and then type away at the beginning of the next episode. I will be picking one review one special review My favorite review of the week and I will be reading it out for all of you guys so you definitely don’t want to miss out on that. I hope you really enjoy your week and I will see you guys again next time stay on purpose.