Welcome back to MOJO: The Meaning of Life and Business! In today’s episode, host Jennifer Glass is joined by the ever-inspirational Russ Hedge, a master connector, marketing coach, international bestselling author, and live-stream host. Together, they explore the profound impact that perspective can have on both our personal lives and our journeys as entrepreneurs.

The conversation kicks off with a reflection on how easily we lose sight of perspective, especially when overwhelmed by daily challenges or stresses. Russ Hedge explains how choosing your mindset each morning can make all the difference, and shares his own practices for staying grounded: beginning with gratitude, journaling, and intentionally avoiding negative stimuli from phones and social media.

The episode goes further, venturing down insightful “rabbit holes”, from the value of staying informed without being bogged down by negativity, to the transformative power of community and connection. Russ Hedge opens up about his cancer journey, emphasizing the role a positive perspective played not only in his personal healing but also in inspiring others. He discusses his #1000Thanks movement, which encourages people to actively express gratitude to those around them, creating ripples of positivity across communities.

For listeners who sometimes struggle to keep a positive mindset throughout the day, Russ Hedge offers practical advice rooted in prayer, practice, and persistence. Jennifer Glass adds her own actionable tips for showing gratitude in everyday encounters - from the grocery store to senior facilities - highlighting how simple acts can help shift our own perspective and brighten someone else’s day.

If you’re looking to find more meaning in your work, build resilience, foster connections, and be a force for good, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as Jennifer Glass and Russ Hedge give you the tools to rebalance perspective, practice gratitude, and make every day a little brighter for yourself—and for those around you.

About my guest: Russ Hedge is an Inspirational Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and Marketing Coach, widely known as an "Inspiration Specialist." With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and sales, Russ is a master connector whose mission is to be a positive force in the business world. He is passionate about encouraging people to live a more engaged and purposeful life. Russ also shares his expertise as the host of several popular livestreams and podcasts, including "Marketing with Russ... aka #RussSelfie" and "The Experience Live with Russ & Scott."

Connect with Russ on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on the web at https://www.russhedge.com

Keywords: perspective, gratitude, journaling, morning routine, mindset, positive thinking, entrepreneurship, business success, inspirational speaking, community building, connection, social media habits, news consumption, negative stimuli, hopefulness, personal development, self-talk, prayer, persistence, practice, significance, world changer, difference maker, cancer journey, overcoming adversity, live streaming, podcasts, marketing, purpose-driven life, #1000Thanks

Welcome to MOJO: The Meaning of Life and Business! In this episode, host Jennifer Glass welcomes the remarkable Olga Alexeeva—artist, author, coach, and survivor—whose powerful story is sure to move and motivate. Olga’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and courage. Originally from Russia, she arrived in America in 1991 with no English, a young son, and her mother in tow. From humble beginnings working at McDonald’s and running a pizza parlor, Olga faced incredible hardship and burnout, only to rediscover herself through a chance encounter with painting—a passion she never thought possible.

Olga’s story is more than a tale of survival; it’s about forging meaning from adversity and allowing creativity to guide the way forward. She candidly shares the trials of starting over, the heartache of betrayal, the uphill battle of learning a new language, and the fear that so often accompanies major life changes. Through her journey, Olga reveals how fear can be dissected and overcome—sometimes with just a single step of courage.

Her transformation led her to open her own galleries in Nashville and to become a beacon for other women seeking purpose, launching her coaching program “Reignite Your Spark and Keep It Forever.” Olga invites listeners into her world of creative exploration—painting, poetry, public speaking, and even adventures like rope challenges and fire eating—each serving as a metaphor for the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and saying “yes” to life’s opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer Glass and Olga discuss actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck or lost, from refugees adjusting to new lives to everyday people searching for meaning. Olga emphasizes playful curiosity, embracing new experiences, and the necessity of honest self-reflection, both for physical and mental wellbeing.

If you’re ready to reignite your passion, rekindle your creativity, and step boldly into your own authenticity, this episode is for you. Listen in for heartfelt storytelling, practical wisdom, and a manifesto for living fully, with Olga’s infectious energy and optimism lighting the way. Plus, discover how you can connect with Olga for creative masterclasses and make sure no opportunity is left behind.

About my guest: Olga Alexeeva is a former stage actress who spent 15 years performing in Russia’s renowned repertory theater system. Growing up in the USSR, Olga witnessed the nation’s tumultuous transition during the 1990s—a period that deeply shaped her understanding of history and culture. Drawing on her rich personal experiences, she recently published the book From Russia to America: A Quest for Purpose and Joy, which explores her journey from her Russian roots to finding new meaning in America. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the search for joy across different worlds.

Connect with Olga on LinkedIn, Facebook, and on the web at https://www.ultraverity.com

Keywords: fear, overcoming fear, purpose, joy, self-discovery, creativity, painting, art gallery, burnout, coaching, women's empowerment, immigrant experience, overcoming adversity, self-love, personal growth, finding passion, resilience, transformation, inspirational story, mindset, imposter syndrome, support systems, life transitions, healing through art, purpose-driven living, breaking barriers, courage, goal achievement, personal development, authenticity

Welcome to another episode of MOJO: The Meaning of Life and Business! In this episode, host Jennifer Glass sits down with Shauna Van Mourik for an engaging and refreshingly human conversation about what truly makes marketing (and business) work. Together, they dive into the real art of persuasion, the pitfalls of soulless marketing tactics, and why connecting authentically with other humans—not just “avatars” or algorithms—will set you apart.

Shauna Van Mourik brings her rich background in psychology, rhetoric, and professional writing to the table, sharing her journey from content creation to branding expert for coaches and therapists. The discussion unpacks the importance of messaging that feels right, the difference between right-fit and dream clients, building an authentic brand, and why storytelling is your marketing superpower.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your impact, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, heartwarming stories, and plenty of actionable insights for entrepreneurs who are ready to ditch outdated advice and find their true marketing “mojo.”

Ready to connect on a human level and make your brand feel like home? Hit play and join the conversation!

About my guest: Coaches and therapists hire Shauna Van Mourik when they’re ready to stop following outdated, soul-sucking marketing advice and finally build a brand that works for them. She helps them refine their messaging, master organic marketing, and attract clients who truly get them. Bottom line: They scale to six figures with confidence, ease, and a brand that feels like home.

Connect with Shauna on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and on the web at https://www.shaunaleigh.com

Keywords: marketing, branding, persuasion, authenticity, storytelling, rhetoric, copywriting, coaches, therapists, organic marketing, client attraction, scaling business, sales conversion, human-first marketing, AI in marketing, ethical marketing, keyword stuffing, SEO, personal brand, professional brand, dream client, ideal client, messaging, relationship building, community building, sustainability, growth, funnel, one-to-many communication, comfortable confidence