Host Melanie Johnson is joined by Nona Prather, professional speaker, author, and owner of Speaker Elevation. Nona brings decades of experience in the speaking industry, sharing her unique journey as a second-generation speaker who grew up helping her father build his own speaking business. In this episode, Nona reveals the practical steps aspiring speakers can take to transition from free gigs to paid engagements, the power of niching down, and why having a book can make all the difference in landing speaking opportunities. Plus, she dishes insider tips on pitching yourself, building lasting relationships with event organizers, and what it really takes to get on a TEDx stage.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Matt Bowman, best-selling author and education expert, as we explore the evolving world of open education. From the rise of homeschooling and hybrid models to the growing influence of AI and technology, Matt shares how families can rethink traditional schooling and embrace flexible, student-centered learning. We dive into how AI is shaping the future of education, what open education really means for families, and the truth behind common homeschooling myths.

Matt also breaks down the three essential elements of effective learning—choice, competency, and connection—and offers practical advice for parents navigating diverse learning paths and finding balance at home.

In today’s episode, host Melanie Johnson sits down with the legendary Paul Colligan—a true pioneer in the world of content creation, podcasting, and YouTube. Paul is known for bridging the gap between technology and business, and he brings decades of experience to the table, having started his online journey back in the early days of the internet.

Together, Melanie and Paul dive deep into the realities of podcast distribution, content automation, and harnessing the latest AI tools to grow your brand and business. Paul shares his insights on how being “everywhere” online is more accessible than ever, why you shouldn’t overcomplicate your tech stack, and what it really takes to leverage automation and AI to streamline your workflow. You’ll hear candid advice about content repurposing, distribution strategies, and the new wave of virtual influencers—including Paul’s own “Virtual Paul” experiments.

In this episode, host Jenn Foster dives deep into the world of digital marketing and web design with Shailesh Ghimire of New Wine Digital. Shailesh is an experienced digital marketing expert who specializes in custom web design, pay-per-click advertising, SEO, and the ever-evolving influence of AI on the industry.

Together, they explore the complexities of building a strong online presence for small businesses, the pros and cons of platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, and why staying updated on design trends and website functionality is crucial for keeping your brand competitive. They also discuss the rise of AI in marketing—from content creation to analytics—unpacking its current limitations (think "AI hallucinations") and practical uses within industry-specific tools.

In this episode, host Jenn Foster is joined by Certified Financial Planner and three-time bestselling author Mark Willis. They dive into the world of smart investing, future planning, and the unique financial hurdles that entrepreneurs and real estate investors face.

Mark shares his journey from mowing lawns as a kid to guiding business owners toward financial security, and he unpacks strategies for thinking differently about money—beyond traditional 401(k)s and mutual funds.

You’ll hear practical questions every business owner should ask before investing, explore how specially designed whole life insurance policies can become powerful financial tools, and learn why thinking critically about your money’s purpose is key. Plus, Mark gives a sneak peek into his new book, "The Business Fortress," and offers hands-on advice for building a rock-solid business foundation.

Welcome to another episode of the Elite Expert Insider Podcast! In today’s episode, host Jenn Foster sits down with seasoned entrepreneur Jared Rosenthal—a trailblazer in the healthcare industry and founder of Health Street, known for its iconic “Who’s Your Daddy?” DNA testing truck and its influence on a VH1 reality show. Jared shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, from managing 400 employees in the corporate world to launching a unique mobile DNA and drug testing service that grabbed headlines and changed the industry.

You’ll hear how Jared leveraged eye-catching branding and clever marketing strategies to build his company from the ground up, as well as his insights into the ongoing challenges and solutions for entrepreneurs—especially in the ever-evolving world of software, onboarding, and digital marketing. Jared and Jenn dive into the importance of SEO, adapting to new technologies like AI, and why understanding your audience is the key to business growth.

Welcome to another episode of Elite Expert Insider! This week, Jenn Foster is joined by the insightful Luis Baez, a seasoned revenue strategist and sales coach whose impressive resume includes top names like LinkedIn, Google, Uber, and Tesla. In this episode, Luis dives deep into the world of personal branding, explaining why standing out as an individual is more important than ever amid the rise of AI and automation.

He shares how he accidentally stumbled into the personal branding space—helping colleagues with their LinkedIn profiles—which eventually led to a thriving coaching business. Luis breaks down the essential mindset shifts necessary for building a brand that genuinely connects with others, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, human connection, and aligning your message with the value you deliver.

He offers practical advice on blending automation with real human touchpoints, as well as tips on confidently pricing your services and creating repeatable revenue through signature frameworks.

In this episode with Kash Rocheleau, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how she balances being a CEO, mom, and business owner—without losing sight of what’s really important. From navigating career transitions and setting boundaries, to handling industry changes and finding purpose in the day-to-day, Kash shares her story in a refreshingly authentic way.

Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kash-rocheleau-a0678528/