Curiously Guided Podcast

Ep.100 | Paving Our Own Way: An Inside Look at Recording 100 Episodes with Shay & Maria

100 episodes!!!! — whewwwwww, how did we get here?!
🥳 Welcome to our last episode for season 5 🥳
It’s so wild to reflect & compare our recent episodes with our very first few episodes, including what we’ve learned about ourselves, and each other, along the way.
When we first started the podcast, our goal was to get here. To create 100 episodes. And we did it!!!! 💃
What a fun ride, thank you for being here with us. We love you!!!
Included in this episode:
➡️ Reflections from hosting 100 episodes
➡️ Verbalizing to rationalize
➡️ Embracing being perfectly imperfect
➡️ Carving our own path
➡️ Asking better questions
➡️ Discerning what kind of content you’re consuming
➡️ Gratitude, appreciation, stillness
➡️ What we’re both curious about lately..
➡️ A tough question to contemplate…
 
Additional Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> FREE Meditation pack (includes dream day meditation)>> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.99 | Resonance Over Reach: Tap into Your Creativity to Stand Out in Business w/ Jay Acunzo, Speaking & Messaging Strategist

If you’re feeling stuck when it comes to creativity, your messaging, or even your focus in business as a whole, this episode is for you!
Jay’s perspective on standing out in the online business space is SO damn refreshing. And it’s very much aligned with what a lot of us are actually craving.
There were a LOT of quotable lines in this interview, but one of my favorites was “Creativity is the persistent pursuit of curiosity” — how perfect is that?
Enjoy the episode! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ Jay’s journey into entrepreneurship
➡️ The difference between volume & power
➡️ Reclaiming creativity for what it is
➡️ The structure of creativity
➡️ How we’re all trying to skip the mess
➡️ Constructing an argument & how everything builds on that
➡️ Humans vs. AI
➡️ The competitive edge to standing out in the online space
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> Jay’s Website>> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Jay Acunzo helps business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. After marketing roles at Google and HubSpot, Jay wrote his first book and earned a living from the stage as a keynote speaker. Each year, dozens of creators, entrepreneurs, and executives, plus brands like Mailchimp and Salesforce, turn to Jay to develop their messages, speeches, and stories.
Website: https://jayacunzo.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacunzo LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.98 | Pushing Past Perfectionism to Get What You Want w/ Lisa Simone Richards, CEO & Co-founder of Pearl Spark Pages

Having trouble with perfectionism or imposter syndrome? This episode is for you! Lisa’s story & perspective is SUCH a breath of fresh air; transparent, honest, and inspiring.
If you take anything away from this episode, just know that you truly can do whatever you put your mind to, if you’re willing to put in the work & be honest with yourself.
Enjoy the episode! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ Lisa’s entrepreneurship journey
➡️ Not so humble brag sheet
➡️ B.R.A.G.S. framework
➡️ Making “deposits” in the bank (not financial)
➡️ Noticing the shifts in micro moments
➡️ Affirmations vs. affirming yourself
➡️ Letting structure give you more freedom
➡️ Sharing your messy middle with the right people
➡️ Giving people the opportunity to see more of us
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> Female Founders Journal Kickstarter Page>> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Lisa Simone Richards is the co-founder and CEO of Pearl Spark Pages, a luxury stationery brand designed to help female founders push past imposter syndrome, increase self-confidence, and build thriving businesses through mindful self-reflection.
After 2 decades as a publicist helping women-led startups gain visibility, Lisa found herself grappling with the very challenge she had coached so many founders through—imposter syndrome. Even with years of experience, she recognized how deeply our inner dialogue shapes our reality, influencing how we show up in business and in life.
Determined to shift that narrative, she developed a journalling framework to help women entrepreneurs cultivate confidence, self-trust, and authenticity. This became the foundation of Pearl Spark Pages.
Through beautifully designed paper products, Lisa’s mission is to empower female founders to embrace their true potential—one page at a time.
Website: https://www.pearlsparkpages.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlsparkpages/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisasimonerichards/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasimonerichards/
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.97 | What Does “Let it be Easy” Really Look Like? with Shay & Mariah

How many time have you heard “just let it be easy…” when it comes to business? We’ve heard it a million times, and shit, we’ve prob SAID it a million times too LOL
In this episode we wanted to unpack the different nuances of “ease” — What does it mean? How can we define it for ourselves? Is “letting it be easy” even really possible?
Let’s explore it together…
Included in this episode:
➡️ Choosing your hard➡️ Redefining what easy means for you➡️ Strengthening your foundations➡️ Why does this feel hard?➡️ How are you setting yourself up for ease?➡️ Shrimp vs. Expanders ➡️ The mindset muscle➡️ Being honest about your inputs➡️ Exploring your own beliefs➡️ Questions for reflection
Additional Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> FREE Meditation pack (includes dream day meditation)>> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.96 | Using IFS (Internal Family Systems) to Discover & Heal Our Hidden Parts w/ Tammy Sollenberger, Psychotherapist

If you’ve never heard of IFS (Internal Family Systems), don’t let the name scare you off! It’s way cooler and more transformative then it sounds lol.
We’re excited to share this interview with Tammy because she’s a GENIUS at explaining IFS in a way that not only makes sense, but unlocks different perspectives for healing. Both Shay & I walked away from this episode a little mind-blown, and we’re hoping it has the same effect on you…
Enjoy! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ Tammy’s journey of discovering IFS
➡️ What is IFS & how does it work?
➡️ Demo of walking through parts work
➡️ Managers // firefighters // exiles – wtf are they?
➡️ The power of curiosity
➡️ Discovering the different layers of healing
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> Tammy’s Podcast: https://tammysollenberger.com/podcast/ >> Tammy’s Book: https://tammysollenberger.com/product/the-one-inside-30-days-to-your-authentic-self/ >> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Tammy is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, author, and expert in Internal Family Systems, or IFS, therapy—a transformative framework for healing that empowers us to understand and embrace the different parts of ourselves.
She’s the author of The One Inside: 30 Days to Your Authentic Self, a guide designed to help readers connect with their true essence through the IFS process. Tammy also hosts The One Inside Podcast, where she dives deep into the IFS framework, sharing stories, tools, and conversations with thought leaders in the field.
With decades of experience, Tammy specializes in helping people navigate complex challenges like addiction, attachment wounds, and shame cycles, using IFS as a path toward compassion and wholeness. Her passion for making this work accessible and impactful shines through in all she does.
Website: https://tammysollenberger.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifs.tammy/
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.95 | Get Comfortable with Conflict & Hard Conversations w/ Lauren Bronson Petrous, Leadership Consultant & Coach

Having difficult conversations is just part of this human experience, there’s really no way around it. BUT, if we can learn how to make those conversations easier and more productive??? What a gift that would be.
So that’s what we brought Lauren on the podcast to talk about! This episode is a good one, filled with tips, examples, and real life scenarios all with the goal of helping YOU strengthen your own conflict resolution muscle…
Enjoy! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ Lauren’s journey of entrepreneurship
➡️ The power of your network & referrals
➡️ Approaching conflict resolution in different aspects of life
➡️ Living in alignment with our values
➡️ The meaning of true authenticity
➡️ Exploring how peace is different than comfort
➡️ Lauren’s B.R.A.V.E framework:+ Bigger than you+ Reframe + Acknowledge with Curiosity + Voice your needs + End with Clarity 
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Lauren Bronson Petrous is a leadership consultant and coach who owns a change management firm called Boundless & Co. Lauren specializes in helping individuals, mission-driven leaders and global organizations navigate conflict, embrace change, and cultivate purpose-driven cultures that create a lasting impact.
Her approach is deeply rooted in authenticity—guiding individuals, leaders, and global organizations to align their values (what they say matters) with action (consistent behaviors).
With over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, international nonprofits, ministries, and executives, Lauren delivers tailored strategies to her consulting and coaching clients. Drawing from hard-earned lessons of both failure and triumph, she empowers others to step boldly into their full potential—leading with courage, vision, and conviction.
Website: https://boundlessandco.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/boundless_andco/
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.94 | Inner Child Healing Work: The Good, the Bad & the WTF? with Shay & Mariah

Does the “inner child healing” work EVER end? Probably not LOL but we wanted to share this conversation in hopes that you’ll feel less alone on your journey.
We’re walking it with you - through the muck, and the fun, and all the in-betweens. We hope this episode inspires you to keep coming back to YOU, because that’s the whole point of it all to begin with, right?
Enjoy the episode! ☺️
Included in this episode:
➡️ Our relationship with anger➡️ Different ways to release & express emotions➡️ Stories & examples of what we’re both going through➡️ Permission to be our TRUE selves➡️ How the inner work translates into outer success➡️ Communication, boundary settings, and reparenting ourselves➡️ Mariah’s experience with a somatic movement course➡️ Shay’s experience with dancing & hot/cold therapy➡️ Connecting your mind+body in a way that feels good for YOU➡️ Using curiously as your lens through it all
Additional Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> Somatic Movement Course: https://somaticmovementcenter.com/>> FREE Meditation pack (includes dream day meditation)>> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.93 | Where the Inner Work Meets the Outer Work as an Entrepreneur w/ Ramon Estrada, Founder CEO Coach

Can this episode just be our commercial for the podcast? LOL This conversation with Ramon was incredible. His philosophy when it comes to business, and life in general is SO refreshing in this online space.
If you’re feeling like you need to be more “strategic” in order to make your business work for you, listen to this episode first. You’re gonna feel SO MUCH more excited, inspired, and motivated to take action after.
Enjoy! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ Ramon’s journey in the online business space
➡️ Accepting the paradoxes of life
➡️ Honoring the need for both strategy & energetics
➡️ Questioning the inner soundtrack
➡️ Difference between instinct, intuition, and inspiration
➡️ Asking better questions
➡️ Realizing that “Who you are” is the journey of a lifetime
➡️ Becoming a victim of our dreams
➡️ The drama triangle
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> Business is Art Podcast>> Your Creative Power (Free eBook)>> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Ramon Estrada is an Executive Coach with professional experience as a business consultant, executive, and six-time entrepreneur. His areas of interest include leadership, entrepreneurial initiative, intrapreneurship, creativity, innovation, and resilience.
Website: https://www.ramonestradat.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/ramonestradatLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ramonestradat/
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.92 | HeartMath for Building Resilience & Reducing Stress (Especially if You Don’t Like Meditating) w/ Michael Sipe, Life Coach & Business Consultant

Building up resiliency & reducing stress feels intangible sometimes. HOW do we relax our bodies? HOW do we support our nervous system? HOW do we give our bodies what they need?
These are the questions Shay & I have been asking for a while, which is why HeartMath has piqued our interest.
And to break it all down for us, we brought back a podcast guest of ours, Michael Sipe (whose previous episode is one of our most downloaded ones, ever - for good reason!) because he does an incredible job at explaining and exploring the intersection of science & spirituality.
And that’s kinda where HeartMath falls in.
HeartMath is a non-profit that’s scientifically researching the effects of heart & brain coherence. And from that research, they’ve been able to develop tools & training to help us elevate our emotional state, while ultimately reducing stress & improving our well-being.
It’s really cool to see the data backing up what a lot of ancient teachings & spiritual practices have known for a while.
We promise, this is a rabbit hole worth exploring & we’re excited to share this episode with you! 😊
In this episode, we explore:
➡️ What is HeartMath?
➡️ “Heart-centered” isn’t just a phrase, it’s science
➡️ The critical impact that the heart has on improving resiliency
➡️ Heart & brain coherence
➡️ How the HeartMath device works
➡️ Developing skills to move through stress in just 5 minutes a day
➡️ How easily subtle stress adds up
➡️ Demo of walking through a HeartMath practice -Timestamp -  1:04:40
➡️ Gamifying the process of coherence
Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> LifeCharter Incubator: FREE 6-Hour Training & Community>> Learn more about HearthMath>> Michael’s previous episode #43: Demystifying Intuition>> SNAG THE DESIGN YOUR DREAM DAY WORKSHOP >> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
About the Guest:
Michael Sipe is a former Naval aviator and airline pilot turned life and business coach who specializes in helping business professionals elevate their personal performance using spirituality as a context and motivator for sustained improvement. Michael has written 6 books, been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc magazine, hosts his own podcast on the Strategic Advisor Board media platform, and forms business partnerships with promising entrepreneurs. Michael has had 2 Near Death Experiences (NDE), a Spiritually Transformative Experience (STE), and a dedicated meditation practice that's been life-changing.
Website: https://www.sipecoaching.com/ Instagram - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sipe-consulting
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco

Ep.91 | Why is Everyone So Bad at Communicating??? with Shay & Mariah

Ever find yourself walking around thinking “Why is everyone so damn bad at communicating???” — because SAME LOL.
“Good” communication has been a hot topic the past couple of weeks for us, so we wanted to share what we’re noticing, and what we’re learning about ourselves and others.
Join us in this convo as we dissect the different layers — it’s a good one!
We hope you enjoy! ☺️
Included in this episode:
➡️ Getting clear on what you need➡️ Examples from our own lives & what we’ve learned➡️ Taking accountability for our own blindspots➡️ How past patterns impact conversation➡️ Delivery matters more than we think➡️ The spectrum of communication➡️ Questions to ask yourself when you’re in an activated state➡️ The blurred line between being empathetic & assertive➡️ Issues that come up when you’re “too” easy going
Additional Links & Resources Mentioned:
>> FREE Meditation pack (includes dream day meditation)>> Buy us a coffee/support the podcast>> Get 20% off your next contract with The Contract Shop
Learn more about Curiously Guided:
Curiously Guided: the podcast for intentional business owners & curious minds. Where the outer work meets the inner work, so we can create a life, business, and career that feels deeply fulfilling & wildly aligned.
✨ Website: Curiouslyguided.com✨ Instagram: Instagram.com/curiouslyguided
Connect with The hosts’ Shay + Mariah:
👉 Shay: saleswithshay.com | @saleswithshay
👉 Mariah: mariahmagazine.com | @mariahmagazineco