466: What if 2026 is the year you stopped DIY'ing your business strategy?

  What if 2026 is the year you finally stop DIY'ing your business strategy and start building with intention? In this powerful new-year conversation, Evie and Lindsay unpack why free content and doing everything on your own can only take you so far, especially when you are feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed by too many ideas and no clear path forward. They share personal stories from their own entrepreneurial journey, including lessons learned from outsourcing too soon, the real difference between information and transformation, and why customized coaching and outside perspective can be the catalyst that helps you move from plateau to momentum. From clarity and accountability to mindset shifts and sustainable systems, this episode walks you through the signs that it may be time to stop circling the same problems and start investing in real results. If you are heading into 2026 with a big vision, a desire for growth, and a sense that you cannot do this alone anymore, this episode is your loving nudge to stop white-knuckling your business and start building the support you actually need. --------------------------------- Burnout Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/burnout --------------------------------- Heart Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/shop  --------------------------------- Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/?rfsn=5649435.725fd3 Use HEARTANDHUSTLE for 10% OFF. --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

If your inbox has been painfully quiet and you are wondering what you are doing wrong, this episode is your wake up call in the best possible way. Evie and Lindsey sit down with industry educator and photographer Ben Hartley for a no fluff conversation about why photographers stop getting booked and what actually works to change that, complete with perfectly timed sound effects and a level of chaotic energy we did not know we needed. Ben shares how inconsistent portfolios, slow response times, and lack of visibility quietly sabotage bookings, even for incredibly talented creatives. From responding to inquiries within minutes, to building real human connection early, to showing up online more than feels comfortable, this episode breaks down the practical systems that move the needle fast. Ben also opens up about his own journey through scaling a photography business, setting boundaries, using AI and automation responsibly, and rebuilding a business that supports real life and family priorities. If you're tired of second-guessing your marketing, spinning your wheels, or wondering why your efforts aren't converting, this conversation is for you. You'll learn how to shift from hoping for bookings to intentionally creating them, especially since Ben's soundboard is right next to him, and he's not afraid to use it. Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/jbenhartley/ Learn 30 Creative Strategies To Get Photography Clients FAST: https://www.sixfigurephotography.com/blitz --------------------------------- Build Community Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/community --------------------------------- Honeybook: share.honeybook.com/heart  In addition to a FREE 7 day trial, get 35% off your first two years of HoneyBook! --------------------------------- Heart Apparel Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/apparel  --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

  If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or like you just cannot seem to move the needle forward right now, this episode is your sign. Evie and Lindsey deliver a short, powerful entrepreneur pep talk filled with tough love, honest encouragement, and practical reminders for those seasons when business and life feel heavy. They talk about why slow progress is still real progress, why asking for help is a strength not a failure, and why comparison, especially on social media, will rob you of joy faster than anything else. The girls reframe failure as proof that you are trying, remind you that someone else's win does not equal your loss, and encourage you to stop letting fear, procrastination, or overwhelm keep you frozen. You'll also hear a simple but game changing productivity mindset shift using the five minute rule to help you push past resistance and finally start the task you've been avoiding. This episode is part encouragement, part reality check, and part loving nudge to get honest about what you want your life and business to feel like, and then take responsibility for making the shift. If you needed a reminder that you are capable, not behind, and not alone, this one is for you. Productivity Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/productivity --------------------------------- Website Templates: www.theheartuniversity.com/website-templates --------------------------------- Check Out Our Course Library: https://theheartuniversity.com/courses --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

  In this episode of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, Evie and Lindsey are joined by personal stylist and thrifting queen Krista Lavrusik for a conversation that feels like a confidence pep talk you did not know you needed. Krista shares how discovering your personal style can completely shift the way you see yourself, especially if you have spent years treating clothes as purely functional or feeling disconnected from your wardrobe. From walking into a thrift store without feeling overwhelmed to her iconic "thrifting boyfriends," Krista breaks down exactly how to shop with intention, spot quality pieces, and build a closet that actually reflects who you are. The girls dive into "feeling like a 10," navigating style through pregnancy and postpartum seasons, why men's button downs are a secret weapon, and how confidence starts with honoring what makes you feel good right now. This episode is full of practical tips, permission to let go of what no longer serves you, and encouragement to stop waiting for the perfect moment to show up as yourself. If you are craving a wardrobe refresh, a mindset shift, or just want to feel more confident in your own skin, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to step into your own '10' energy. Follow Krista: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristalavrusik/ - All Her Links - https://linktr.ee/kristalavrusik --------------------------------- Posing Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/candid --------------------------------- Heart Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/shop  --------------------------------- Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/?rfsn=5649435.725fd3 Use HEARTANDHUSTLE for 10% OFF. --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

  This week Evie and Lindsey dive straight into the spicy side of the photography world with a full lineup of industry hot takes that every creative has heard, whispered about, or secretly debated in their group chats. From the controversial claim that styled shoots are cheating to whether presets make you a bad editor to the uproar over using inspo photos from Pinterest and the big conversation around photographers marketing only to other photographers, the girls peel back the layers on what is actually true, what is totally blown out of proportion, and where they land based on years of building successful creative careers. They share hilarious personal stories from their early wedding days, talk honestly about how creatives grow their style, and discuss why AI editing is shifting the industry in real time. They unpack why photographers accidentally end up talking only to other photographers online, and finish with a candid breakdown of the growing trend of burnt out photographers jumping straight into education before they are ready. If you want an episode filled with honesty, laughter, real talk and the permission to rethink any rule the industry has ever tried to put on you, this one is a must listen. --------------------------------- Pinterest Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/pinterest --------------------------------- Honeybook: share.honeybook.com/heart  In addition to a FREE 7 day trial, get 35% off your first two years of HoneyBook! --------------------------------- Heart Apparel Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/apparel  --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

  Get ready for an episode that feels like a warm hug, a pep talk, and a behind the scenes masterclass all rolled into one. Today we sit down with the wildly talented husband and wife duo Jay and Mack of Jay and Mack Films, the storytellers known for their cinematic, documentary style wedding films that make you feel every last emotion. We talk about how they evolved from directing every moment to capturing the raw beauty of real life, how a chaotic surf session became their superhero origin story, and how mic'ing up couples throughout the entire wedding day unlocked the heartfelt and hilarious soundbites their films are loved for. They share what it really takes to give couples an elevated experience, why communication and calming energy matter so much on a wedding day, and how they navigate the dance between marketing and ethical storytelling when posting viral content online. We also dive into TikTok strategies, vertical versus landscape filming, the pressures of social media, and the creative slump that so many wedding vendors are feeling right now. If you are a creative, a wedding professional, or someone craving a dose of honesty, inspiration, and belly laughs, this conversation is your new comfort listen. Check Out Jay & Mack Films: https://jayandmackfilms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayandmack --------------------------------- Niche Down freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/niche --------------------------------- Website Templates: www.theheartuniversity.com/website-templates --------------------------------- Check Out Our Course Library: https://theheartuniversity.com/courses --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

 Today Evie and Lindsay are spilling the tea on the real, raw, and slightly chaotic lessons they have learned across a decade of entrepreneurship. From the early days of nonstop hustle, to the intense journey of building a swimsuit brand, to hiring people without enough oversight and even ignoring their own finances for far too long, the girls take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when growth moves faster than strategy. You will laugh, cringe, and nod along as they reflect on the moments that stretched them, stressed them, taught them, and ultimately grew them into stronger and wiser entrepreneurs. If you are building a business, dreaming of one, or simply wanting to feel less alone in the messy middle, this episode gives you a clear reminder that every setback is a setup for future strength. --------------------------------- Manual Mode Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/manual --------------------------------- Heart Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/shop  --------------------------------- Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/?rfsn=5649435.725fd3 Use HEARTANDHUSTLE for 10% OFF. --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

  Get ready for a girl chat that will light your creative fire as we sit down with the incredible Andi Alleman of Oui, We Studio, a visionary strategist who helps creatives build obsession worthy brands and magnetic cult-like followings. Andi dives into her journey from the corporate beauty and fashion world into running her own strategy house, sharing her passion for creativity, future focused thinking, and helping artists and entrepreneurs create deep resonance with their audiences. She breaks down what a cult-like following truly means, why personal connection matters more than ever, and how creatives can stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and instead build brands that speak straight to the soul. The conversation takes a powerful turn into the world of AI as Andi shares how she uses ChatGPT as a creative partner in her workflow, from content planning to brand messaging, and why training your AI is key to unlocking ease, clarity, and confidence in your business. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, content creation, or showing up consistently, this conversation will give you both the encouragement and the practical insight you need to build a brand that your people cannot stop talking about. Stay Updated with Andi: - https://www.ouiwestudio.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/ouiwestudio/ - https://www.instagram.com/ouiwegirl/ --------------------------------- Imposter Syndrome Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/imposter --------------------------------- Honeybook: share.honeybook.com/heart  In addition to a FREE 7 day trial, get 35% off your first two years of HoneyBook! --------------------------------- Heart Apparel Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/apparel  --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

What does success really mean to you? In this heart-to-heart conversation, Evie McLeod and Lindsay Roman take listeners on a candid journey through their evolving definitions of success, from childhood dreams of fame and red carpets to the deeper fulfillment of faith, family, and freedom. With raw honesty, laughter, and a few hilarious stories (including a first-kiss-on-stage moment), they unpack how chasing external validation shifted into building lives grounded in purpose and peace. Whether you're redefining your own version of "making it," balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, or learning to find joy in the season you're in, this episode will leave you inspired to measure success by who you're becoming, not what you're achieving. --------------------------------- IG Bio Freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/bio --------------------------------- Heart Shop: https://theheartuniversity.com/shop  --------------------------------- Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/?rfsn=5649435.725fd3 Use HEARTANDHUSTLE for 10% OFF. --------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theheartuniversitychannel?si=33lzxpBA9UxKlgTE --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity  

This week on The Heart & Hustle Podcast, Evie and Lindsey chat with the inspiring Madison Wetherill, the creative force behind "Cook at Home Mom", a food blog helping busy women and moms simplify healthy eating without losing their sanity. Madison dives into the real-life rhythms of meal planning, finding variety for picky eaters, and creating family-friendly dinners that actually fit into chaotic schedules. From using shared Notion boards to grocery delivery hacks and time-saving tips, Madison's approach shows that meal planning doesn't have to be overwhelming, it can be empowering and even fun! She shares honest advice on overcoming mom guilt, building sustainable habits, and her favorite go-to recipes (spoiler: chicken fried rice and tacos make the list). If you've ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 6 p.m. wondering what to make, this episode is your ultimate guide to planning, prepping, and cooking with joy and balance. Check Out and Follow Madison Wetherill: https://cookathomemom.com/ - Free 5 day meal plan for listeners: https://cookathomemom.com/show/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookathomemom/ --------------------------------- Download the Ghosting freebie: https://theheartuniversity.com/ghosting --------------------------------- Website Templates: www.theheartuniversity.com/website-templates --------------------------------- Check Out Our Course Library: https://theheartuniversity.com/courses --------------------------------- If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here. --------------------------------- "PODCAST10" for 10% off anything from The Shop! www.theheartuniversity.com/shop --------------------------------- Follow along: www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman www.instagram.com/evierupp www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity