007: Working With a Travel Agent & Our Reading Preferences

WE’RE DISCUSSING: The new decade Connor just entered (& the catalyst for our trip) What someone said to Kaitlyn that she had to immediately fact-check The topic Kaitlyn’s become more sensitive about & the phrase she keeps repeating to herself as a result Why we went on this trip & how it came about What we did during our time in LA / Venice Beach area Where we stopped in Santa Barbara & thoughts about the downtown area in general The type of boutique hotel we’re loving, where we stayed in San Luis Obispo, and our favorite aspect of their guest experience Our experiences at each winery we visited in Paso Robles, including Tin City Our impression of Route 1 and driving through Big Sur, including the Vista Points and stops we spent the most time at (versus the ones we didn't) Where we stayed in Carmel-by-the-Sea and our favorite parts about the hotel Thoughts about the 17-mile drive and exploring Pebble Beach The Copy Uncorked clients we got to meet up with for a beach picnic  What we did for our last night in Carmel Final reflections - each of our favorite parts of the trip + what sticks out the most  What made Kaitlyn feel emotional & why What we'll be opening the podcast up to in the near future  AS MENTIONED: Ryan Corrigan (our travel agent) - https://corriganluxurytravel.com/ Great White in Venice Beach Hook & Press in Santa Barbara San Luis Creek Lodge - https://sanluiscreeklodge.com/ Scout Coffee in SLO  Sally Loo's in SLO Granada Hotel & Bistro in SLO Adelaida in Paso Robles - https://www.adelaida.com/ JUSTIN Winery in Paso Robles - https://www.justinwine.com/ Tin City in Paso Robles (Olivias de Oro, Negranti Creamery, Aaron Winery) Nepenthe (at the end of Big Sur before Carmel) Hotel Carmel - https://www.thehotelcarmel.com/ Folktale Winery - https://www.folktalewinery.com/ Blog post coming soon to kaitlynhparker.com to fully recap all of our stops. :) Will also share my friend Rachel’s Central Coast guide once it’s live! FIND US ELSEWHERE: - winestainspod.com - Kaitlyn's blog: kaitlynhparker.com - Kaitlyn’s business: copyuncorked.com - Connor’s business: parker-fg.com If you enjoyed today’s episode, we’d love for you to leave a review. Cheers!

WE'RE DISCUSSING: - Our first mini-milestone (cheers to hitting 10 episodes) - Thoughts about "social" club tennis - What Connor believes is the "right" way to pour beer - The Budweiser Clydesdale horse commercials - is it branding or marketing? - A loose definition and core elements of "branding" - Connor's "fit-check" and a few of his favorite brands  - How brands shape our identity & vice versa - The ratio Donald Miller suggests for focusing on marketing vs. branding - and Kaitlyn's thoughts about it - How your "business plan" plays into your branding & marketing and in which order to do what - Thoughts on "avatars", niching, attracting & repelling, knowing your audience & more  - How Kaitlyn is applying those thoughts to revamped Copy Uncorked courses - Humanizing & creating community as a brand - Components of brand strategy  - A list of the top 10 greatest TV commercials of all time - Whether Kaitlyn considers Copy Uncorked to fall more on the 'branding' or 'marketing' side AS MENTIONED: - Connor's go-to Vejas :) - https://rstyle.me/+iA_OXPlMHOUpBSVMjpX5Bg - Connor's lululemon shirt - https://rstyle.me/+ar5ieUw6flLy8OlJfxQMNw - Connor's Patagonia pants - https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-terrebonne-joggers/190696752786.html - ARTICLE - The 10 Greatest TV Commercials of All Time - https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/blog/10-memorable-tv-commercials/ FIND US ELSEWHERE: - winestainspod.com - Kaitlyn's blog: kaitlynhparker.com - Kaitlyn’s business: copyuncorked.com - Connor’s business: parker-fg.com If you enjoyed today’s episode, we’d love for you to leave a review. Cheers!

Episode - 009. Connor's 29029 Challenge & What's Next We shared the 'before' if you will in episode 8 - and now it's time for the 'after'. Tune in to hear Kaitlyn interview Connor about his experience tackling the 29029 Everesting Challenge at Snowbasin in Utah. INCLUDING: - His expectations going into it - The reality of his experience - The biggest challenge(s) he faced - His biggest breakthrough or breath of fresh air - Other hurdles he had to overcome during & on the way home from the challenge - Whether he'd do it again - and if so, when/where ...and your typical randomness and back & forth in between. LINKS & MENTIONS: (Intro Song) Mt. Everest by Labrinth - https://open.spotify.com/track/1ZdhOMWyFR8Iv9eylMGYg2?si=c531644f8e5e448f 29029 Everesting Challenge: https://29029everesting.com/ 29029 Snowbasin Week 1 | Recap 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAFk64LCX80 Connor’s current diagnosis: “spontaneous angiodema” The Jones Project - https://thejonesproject.org/ Connor’s HOKA Hiking Boots (purchased via REI) - https://www.rei.com/product/167704/hoka-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx-hiking-boots-mens?color=ANTHRACITE%2FDARK%20GULL%20GREY Quotes by Coach Chris: “Fear is a manifestation of where our comfort level ends.” / “Fear is the energy behind great work.” Colin O’Brady - https://www.colinobrady.com/ Garmin Fēnix Solar Sapphire 7 - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/735520 FIND US ELSEWHERE: For latest episodes & more: Winestainspod.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ -  https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ - & https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Kaitlyn's blog: kaitlynhparker.com Kaitlyn’s business: http://copyuncorked.com/ Connor’s business: https://parker-fg.com/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, we’d love for you to leave a review. Cheers!

WE’RE DISCUSSING: - The trip / fitness challenge / organization Connor is supporting with a trip to Utah next weekend  - More about said fitness challenge and what he’s doing to prepare …and why  - How it’s inspired both of us in many ways to lean in to discomfort and try new things  - Kaitlyn’s favorite form of exercise and (how/why it still makes her nervous each time)  - How this new challenge has deepened the meaning and purpose of core values  - The 4 core values we’ve identified for each of our businesses and the meaning behind each  - What’s new to our reading lists since the last episode WE MENTIONED:  - 29029 in Snowbasin, UT - https://29029everesting.com/products/utah-2022 - Supporting & honoring the life of Josh Jones - https://thejonesproject.org/ - Connor’s book pick: Traction - https://rstyle.me/+5zdS5g6alRYUQ_HLym4CEA - Kaitlyn’s book pick: The Sea We Swim In - https://rstyle.me/+cYf0hDgdX3QBYxo2lKO0kA - The brand messaging & copywriting education courses Kaitlyn mentioned: https://copyuncorked.com/courses-and-guides FIND US ELSEWHERE:  - winestainspod.com  - Kaitlyn's blog: kaitlynhparker.com - Kaitlyn’s business: copyuncorked.com  - Connor’s business: parker-fg.com If you enjoyed today’s episode, we’d love for you to leave a review. Cheers!

WE'RE DISCUSSING: - Our first time working with a travel agent, why we chose to do so & how it works - What we thought about the experience and whether we'd do it again - A quick download of our most recent big trip (Riviera Maya, Mexico) - The great debate: Kindle vs. physical books (lottaaa comments on this) - Thoughts about reading in general and the indecision that comes with choosing a book to read - A list of what we’ve each been reading as well as further debate about fiction versus nonfiction - and what we like about each - The techy new device Connor is excited about - Thoughts on Dream Home Makeover Season 3 after we binged it in one sitting Products/Things We Mentioned: - Our travel agent: Ryan Corrigan of Corrigan Luxury Travel - https://corriganluxurytravel.com/ - Kaitlyn's blog post write-up reviewing the resort we stayed at (UNICO 20°87°) - https://kaitlynhparker.com/unico-2087-hotel-riviera-maya-a-review-of-our-stay/ - Books Read (The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*, Liking Myself Back, How Are You, Really?, The Idiot, The Sea, Conversations With Friends, Feels Like Home, The Obstacle is the Way) - Connor's book, Retirement Launchpad - https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Launchpad-Simplifying-Rocket-Science/dp/B09CRNPVDJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XHKSQ4HJI5U7&keywords=retirement+launchpad&qid=1659722192&sprefix=retirement+launchpad%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 - The Remarkable 2 - https://remarkable.com/store/remarkable-2 STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Kaitlyn's newly designed blog/website: https://kaitlynhparker.com/ Our podcast website - http://winestainspod.com If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to follow the show and leave us a review. 🍷 Thank you!

WE'RE DISCUSSING: What the heck we've been up to over the past year-ish (aka since Season 1 and since our summer 2021 road trip) Introducing Season 2 of the Wine Stains Podcast What we've learned from Season 1, why we brought it back, and what you can expect moving forward How we're finding the balance between "unfiltered" and "structured"  Where we're recording from now, as well as other big updates in Connor's work life Our thoughts on 'consistency' and starting any new creative endeavor or passion project  Connor's journey & experience with alcohol - and a major lifestyle change he's made The new look & branding for Wine Stains (cover, logo, website, etc.) Per usual, what we're sipping on while recording (and why) A preview of future episode topics (yep, we have an outline!) THE WINE / BEVERAGES: Athletic Brew Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Devil's Backbone Orange Smash THINGS/PEOPLE WE MENTIONED: Our brand designer, Angela Mondloch of Saffron Avenue STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Kaitlyn's newly designed blog/website: https://kaitlynhparker.com/  Our podcast website - http://winestainspod.com If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to follow the show and leave us a review. 🍷 Thank you!

WE'RE DISCUSSING: The unfortunate but very on-brand event that happened during our initial attempt at recording episode 5 while in Asheville, NC Debating how to count the days of a vacation (long story, ya just gotta listen) Luxury experiences + expectations Client experience + expectations How scarcity mindset as an entrepreneur can lead to taking on work that’s unaligned and sub-par Learning when and how to say no (and yes) How to identify when you’re out of alignment Things Kaitlyn takes into consideration when accepting clients outside of a ‘niche’ Connor’s great one-liner about client experience Kaitlyn’s Airbnb booking mistakes and honest thoughts about the platform (it gets real passionate - ha) Spontaneity vs. making plans Takeaway lessons from our road trip so far Where we were headed next and why Bullet points / takeaways from the #winestainswisdom within the episode THE WINE: Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017 - https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/cabernet-sauvignon/stags-leap-cabernet-sauvignon-napa/p/13388750 THINGS/PEOPLE WE MENTIONED: Ozarks (tv show) on Netflix Bottleshock (movie) Vine to Voice (a brand voice & brand messaging course by Copy Uncorked) - https://copyuncorked.com/courses Notion Project Management software (Connor’s) Clickup Project Management software (Kaitlyn’s) The Copy House (a website copywriting course by Copy Uncorked) - https://copyuncorked.com/courses The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company - https://rstyle.me/+BtZVQlly8Rkb--W-lu86SQ STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Website: https://kaitlynhparker.com/wine-stains-podcast

Sit down with husband and wife Connor & Kaitlyn Parker as they share a big announcement about their early summer plans and generally just banter about life, dating, and family heritage. WE'RE DISCUSSING: Our tasting, convo, and review of this week's wine; plus what we've learned about wine tasting from Kaitlyn's Dad #Wineofwisdom: Why copywriting/branding is so important to creating word of mouth buzz for your business Our spontaneous summer 2021 travel plans - what we're doing, why, and how The weirdness of the English language - I.e. Arkan-SAS (SAW) versus Kan-SAS Hillary Duff and our favorite old Disney Channel Original Movies + characters Our heritage and the nationality Kaitlyn thought she was (but isn't) The story of when/how we met and why I originally thought Connor wasn't American THIS WEEK'S WINE: Quilt by Joseph J. Wagner (Napa Valley) - 2018 - https://www.wine.com/product/quilt-cabernet-sauvignon-2018/605800 THINGS/PEOPLE WE MENTIONED: Not much to note for this one! STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Website: winestainspod.com

Sit down with husband and wife Connor & Kaitlyn Parker as they share an honest reflection on what they wish they knew earlier about running a business, as well as some of what's gone well. WE'RE DISCUSSING: Today's wine (we'll be sharing it at the beginning of the episode from now on!) and just a bit about tasting wines in general Growth, accountability, rosy retrospection and staying in your lane with running a business (3) things we each wish we knew earlier / have learned since working for ourselves Bouncing back from mistakes/errors and learning where confidence really comes from The importance of results over just goals and understanding profitability Delegating, outsourcing, crafting SOPs and hiring #TEMPLATEEVERYTHING Systems, tools, and processes we use THIS WEEK'S WINE: From Tinto VB (https://www.tintowineandcheese.com/) - R8 Cabernet Sauvignon - https://www.r8wineco.com/ THINGS/PEOPLE WE MENTIONED: Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey - https://rstyle.me/+-Ki2wJR08ZwlI6PuuEGYDA Birddogs (Connor's favorite pants and shorts) - https://www.birddogs.com/ Dubsado (Kaitlyn's CRM) - https://www.dubsado.com/ STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Website: winestainspod.com *Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you, should you choose to purchase.

Sit down with husband and wife Connor & Kaitlyn Parker as they share a bit more on the personal front, from love languages, personal style, to weight fluctuations, and pretty much everything in between. WE'RE DISCUSSING: "The 5 Love Languages" and what each of ours is How our personal style & shopping choices have evolved (quality over quantity, brands we love, and our day-to-day "uniform") Stereotypes within the financial industry and the "power suit" What to spend more on vs. where to save Body image, diets, and weight fluctuations over the years (and the difference between a cost + pay-off) Burnout and "completing the stress cycle" Coffee shop culture and random thoughts about reading Interior design and curating your home (aka after-work hobbies for Kaitlyn) THIS WEEK'S WINE: Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon - https://www.imagerywinery.com/store/?view=product&slug=2019-Imagery-Cabernet-Sauvignon THINGS/PEOPLE WE MENTIONED: Housewives video of the song we reference: https://youtu.be/kUONWrJ3wLk The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman - https://rstyle.me/+XDseUCm1YUIVLVGs-eymMw Connor's Favorite Veja Shoes - https://rstyle.me/+o4e23QbPq-dV8Isa-FiIDw Outerknown S.E.A Tee - https://www.outerknown.com/products/sea-tee-crew-indigo Amazon the Drop - https://www.amazon.com/thedrop/ Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski - https://rstyle.me/+IQcf_96LWLnwc5WjNMb6RA The Kindle Paperwhite - https://rstyle.me/+01-XS8D7g8L8AsWFh0Ykyg Brooke Sager of The Blaire House - https://theblairehouse.com/ STAY CONNECTED Kaitlyn on Instagram - @kaitlynhparker - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynhparker/ Connor on Instagram - @connor_parker - https://www.instagram.com/connor_parker/ The Podcast on Instagram - @winestainspod - https://www.instagram.com/winestainspod/ Website: winestainspod.com Kaitlyn's personal blog - https://kaitlynhparker.com *Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you, should you choose to purchase.