In this episode, I sit down with Holly Lovell, a real estate powerhouse who proves that genuine connections—not just transactions—are what truly drive success.

Holly’s story is a masterclass in heart-led business. Holly built her career by focusing on relationships first. She didn’t rely on quick sales or one-off deals; instead, she prioritized trust, integrity, and authentic connections.

In this conversation, we explore how leading with emotional intelligence—not just numbers—can be a total game-changer for anyone running a business. Holly shares how this approach helped her land some of the biggest deals of her career, including selling Iowa's most expensive home. But beyond the money, it’s her genuine care for her clients that makes her a standout success.

Here’s a taste of what we get into:

• How building genuine, heart-led connections helped Holly move from banking to dominating real estate
• The emotional intelligence behind creating client loyalty and trust that lasts
• Why the most successful women in business today are ditching the transactional mindset for a more authentic, people-first approach
• Holly’s experience selling Iowa’s priciest home, proving that leading with your heart pays off in the long run

If you're ready to stop chasing quick wins and start building deeper, more meaningful connections in your business, this episode is for you. Holly’s journey is proof that when you focus on people over transactions, success follows.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

WSJ Article: An Iowa Home With an Irish Pub Sets a State Sales Record

Book: Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office

Book: Who Not How

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH HOLLY LOVELL:

Website: www.ellevenre.com/holly-lovell

Instagram: @lovellgroupre

Facebook: @LovellGroupRE

Ever feel like your finances are a chaotic swirl of receipts, spreadsheets, and panic? I’ve been there.

In this episode, we’re getting real about money—because it’s time to stop pretending we all have it figured out. And who better to help us navigate the mess than my incredible bookkeeper, Nikki Knecht (AKA my financial lifesaver)?

I share some pretty funny (and maybe too relatable) stories about my early struggles with money management—think lots of trial and error, and so many spreadsheets. If you're running a business and feeling overwhelmed by your numbers, you’re going to want to hear this one.

We break down the emotional rollercoaster that comes with trying to manage your business finances, the difference between bookkeeping and accounting (yes, they’re different!), and how you can start to understand and take control of your finances.

Here’s what we get into:

• My early financial struggles and how I found humor (and help!) in the chaos.
• The real, emotional challenges of managing money—like that constant fear of failure.
• The real talk on how societal perceptions can mess with your confidence around pricing your services.
• Why accepting help and setting clear financial goals can be a total game changer for your biz.
• Practical advice for tracking finances and preparing for more in-depth financial management.

Money doesn’t have to be the scary monster in your closet—it can actually be empowering once you take control. Ready to finally feel on top of your finances? Tune in now!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH NICKI KNECHT:

Website: www.knechtbs.com

LinkedIn: @nickiknecht

Facebook: @KnechtBS

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the endless loop of dieting and self-criticism?

Trust me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Bright from Real Good Nutrition to dive into intuitive eating and body acceptance.

In this raw, honest conversation, I get real about my rollercoaster ride with diet culture. From chasing that "perfect" body to dealing with the emotional stress of weight gain, it all led to a life-changing realization: diets were never the answer.

Emmy brings her own transformative story to the table, sharing how her celiac diagnosis reshaped her relationship with food. Together, we shatter diet myths, celebrate self-compassion, and encourage you to embrace your body just as it is.

Here’s a taste of what we get into:

• My personal story of breaking free from diet culture and finding true body acceptance
• Emmy's journey with celiac disease and how it changed the way she sees food
• The truth behind common diet myths—and why they need to be challenged
• How to start practicing intuitive eating and listen to your body’s natural signals
• Tips for building self-compassion and cultivating a positive body image

This episode is your invitation to ditch the guilt, quiet the food police, and find freedom in your body. Emmy and I want to inspire you to let go of the toxic narratives around dieting and start living a life that feels joyful, healthy, and true to who you are. Tune in for a conversation that’ll leave you feeling empowered to develop a joyful, guilt-free relationship with food.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Book: Just Eat It

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH EMMY BRIGHT:

Instagram: @realgood_nutrition

Website: www.therealgoodnutrition.com

In a world where societal norms often dictate the "right" way to build a family, it's refreshing to hear stories that challenge these conventions.

In this episode, we delve into the journey of surrogacy through the eyes of Brent Landrum, who along with his husband, navigated the complex and emotional process of surrogacy to create their family.

From those first honest conversations with his husband to choosing an egg donor and surrogate, Brent opens up about it all with incredible authenticity. His story shows just how powerful it can be to live life on your own terms, no matter what society thinks.

Here’s what we cover:

• Brent shares the ups, downs, and unexpected challenges of surrogacy.
• The logistics of selecting an egg donor and the decision-making process involved.
• Financial aspects of surrogacy, including costs and potential financing options.
• Societal perceptions and stigma surrounding surrogacy, especially for same-sex couples.
• Encouragement for open dialogue about surrogacy and parenting in non-traditional family dynamics.
• Brent’s practical advice for anyone considering surrogacy.

This episode isn’t just about Brent’s story—it’s about showing that there’s no “right” way to build a family. It's about owning your journey and creating something beautiful, no matter how unconventional.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Book: Love Makes a Family

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH BRENT LANDRUM:

Instagram: @brent_l85

Facebook: @brent.landrum

What if we stopped running from death and started embracing it with humor, heart, and authenticity?

In this episode, I sit down with Alanna, a co-founder of Good Mourning, to talk about how they are turning the way we approach end-of-life celebrations on its head.

We dive into the idea of living wakes—yes, you heard that right—where loved ones gather to celebrate a life while the person is still here to enjoy it. Alanna shares how Good Mourning is helping families craft deeply personal send-offs that honor not just how someone died, but how they lived.

If the thought of talking about death makes you squirm, this conversation is for you. Alanna and I break down why facing our mortality head-on can actually be one of the most empowering things we do.

Here’s what we touch on:

• The inspiring mission behind Good Mourning and why they're revolutionizing end-of-life celebrations.
• How to plan a deeply personal, one-of-a-kind memorial.
• The benefits of living wakes: celebrating life while your loved ones are still present.
• How breaking the taboo around death can be so freeing.
• Our personal stories of loss and what they've taught us about life, grief, and moving forward.
• How embracing these difficult conversations makes end-of-life planning a gift, not a burden.

Ready to shift your perspective and start living (and dying) on your own terms? Hit play now and join Alanna and I as we dig deep into how celebrating life starts with embracing death.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Agrace: Hospice & Supportive Care

National Cremation Society

Farley Center

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH GOOD MOURNING:

Instagram: @good.mourn

Facebook: Good Mourning

Website: www.goodmourn.com

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform your life from the ground up?

In this episode, I sit down with Nina Caviggiola, a nurse-turned-social media influencer and host of the Mama Knows Podcast. From fleeing Bosnia as a refugee to becoming a successful content creator, Nina’s story is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the courage to follow your gut—even when it feels impossible.

If you've ever felt stuck in a life that’s no longer lighting you up, or you've been too afraid to make a change, Nina's story will hit home. We cover the real, raw truth of balancing motherhood with running a business, why embracing your worth is non-negotiable, and how you can start living authentically—right now.

During our chat, we get into:

• Nina’s journey from being a Bosnian refugee to a successful social media influencer.
• The highs and lows of leaving behind a traditional career to build a business.
• Why truly believing in your self-worth is the key to achieving your goals.
• How asking for help has played a crucial role in Nina’s success.
• How vulnerability can be a powerful tool in personal and professional growth.

Don't miss this inspiring and heartfelt conversation. Tune in to hear how you, too, can start designing a life that feels like you.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Book: The Anxious Generation

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH NINA CAVIGGIOLA:

Instagram: @balkanina

TikTok: @balkanina

Website: www.balkanina.com

Mama Knows Podcast

Have you ever felt trapped in a job or lifestyle that no longer serves you?

In this episode, I sit down with my podcast manager, Chanlie Leavitt, to dive into her story of breaking free from a career that no longer fit. Chanlie made the bold decision to leave teaching—a profession she'd invested years in—after realizing it wasn't aligned with her passion anymore. Together, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of walking away from job security, the courage to embrace change, and how she found her way into podcast management.

We don’t shy away from the tough stuff either—like the burnout so many teachers are facing, the emotional weight of toxic work environments, and why finding the courage to walk away can be the key to reclaiming your life.

If you’ve been thinking about making a big change, or if you’re craving a life that truly lights you up, this conversation is packed with the inspiration you need.

Here’s what we get into during our chat:

• The teacher exodus and why so many are walking away
• Breaking free from the "golden handcuffs" of job security
• The emotional impact of toxic work environments
• Transitioning into a fulfilling freelance career
• Living unapologetically and following what lights you up

This episode is all about reclaiming your life and creating a career that feels right. Tune in for some laughs, real stories, and a dose of inspiration to start living your most authentic life!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Download the Purposeful Podcast Playbook for FREE

Freelancing Course

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH CHANLIE LEAVITT:

Website: www.paradigmpodcasting.com

Instagram: @paradigmpodcasting

Facebook: @paradigmpodcasting

LinkedIn: @paradigmpodcasting

We all have stories that we tell ourselves.

In fact—each of us thinks about 60,000 thoughts every single day, with 90% of them being the exact same ones from the day before.

And here's the kicker—if those thoughts are negative, we're doing ourselves a huge disservice. Plus, to make it even trickier, most of those thoughts are running in the background, on autopilot in our subconscious.

In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into how we can break free from those limiting beliefs and tap into our limitless potential with mindset and high performance coach, Shawn Carlin.

During our chat, we touch on:

• Shawn's story: How he first discovered the power of energy and became aware of its impact on our lives.
• The connection between our self-worth, personal values, and our relationship with money.
• How early financial experiences shape our adult perceptions of wealth and abundance.
• Practical steps to reframe your problems and shift from a victim mindset to a growth mindset.
• Why the words we use matter so much and how they shape our beliefs and reality.

Ready to shift those stories and start living limitlessly? Tune in to the full episode now!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH SHAWN CARLIN:

Website: www.shawnmcarlin.com

X: @shawncarlin5

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