The Hidden Rules of Building a Lasting Writing Career with Margaret Feinberg

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   What does it really take to build a powerful, lasting career as a Christian writer and speaker? Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm joined by one of my heroes—Margaret Feinberg. She's a bestselling author, beloved Bible teacher, and one of the first women who helped crack the door open for the rest of us in ministry. And I don't take that lightly.   With more than 25 years of wisdom (and a few hilarious stories along the way), Margaret gets real about what it takes to build a meaningful, enduring calling. From the early steps that required big faith and tiny budgets, to the mindset that's carried her through the valleys and up the mountains—she shares it all.   So, if you're dreaming of writing, speaking, or just wondering how to stay strong when things feel tough, Margaret's words will stir up that holy grit in your soul. This episode will remind you why you started and what you're capable of, even when things get tough. You're not going to want to miss this.   Timestamps: (02:48) - Margaret’s Journey of Becoming an Author and Speaker (05:45) - Publishing Her First Book (10:15) - Lessons She Has Learned About the Publishing Business (22:21) - If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (24:07) - Common Mistakes She Sees People Making in the Publishing Business WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Margaret’s New Book - The God You Need to Know Margaret’s Travel Recommendation. - BOSE Headphones Margaret’s Skincare Recommendation - Neutrogena Mineral Stick   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   I opened my phone to "just check one thing," and suddenly, I was 20 minutes deep in the same echo chamber of highlight reels and hot takes. Everyone's shouting their wins, sharing their "expertise," and looking oh-so-confident doing it.   But the women I actually know? The brilliant, wise, faith-filled world changers who are raising babies, running businesses, and serving with their whole hearts? Crickets.   And here's the thing—it's not because they don't have something to say. They've got degrees, experience, and stories that would drop your jaw and light your soul on fire. But online? They've gone silent. Not because the algorithm is hiding them. Because they're hiding themselves.   We don't have a content problem. We have a visibility problem. So, if you've been playing small, hiding behind the highlight reel, or waiting for a sign, this is it. It's time to show up, not for applause, but for obedience.    Visibility isn't about vanity. It's about being faithful to the assignment you've already been given. Let's talk about how to rise up and step in. This one's for you. Timestamps:   (03:00) -The Invisible Woman Syndrome (05:22) - Why Visibility Works (06:30) - Visibility Blocks That Hold Us Back (09:41) - How to Get Visible Without Feeling Gross WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - THESAEM Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. You’re in for a treat today, my friend—because we are diving headfirst into the world of big laughs and even bigger dreams. Today’s guest is none other than the fearless and fabulous Jen Fulwiler—bestselling author, stand-up comedian, and powerhouse mama who’s blazing trails (and cracking jokes) in the unlikeliest of places. She’s smart, sassy, and unfiltered—in the best way.   From the moment Jen picks up the mic, she’s not just cracking jokes—she’s cracking open a whole conversation about courage, calling, and what it really takes to chase audacious dreams after diaper duty and dinner cleanup.   She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what touring really looks like in 2025 (spoiler: it’s not all glitz and green rooms), how she’s built a fiercely loyal following, and why email—yes, good old-fashioned email—is her not-so-secret marketing superpower. Her insights on growing an audience with humor, heart, and holy confidence? Game-changing.   So, whether you’re dreaming of launching something bold or need a reminder that you’re not too late and you’re definitely not too much, this conversation is your permission slip to go for it—with a whole lot of laughter and a healthy dose of truth.   Let’s dive in! Timestamps: (07:27) - How Jen Built a Business as a Stand-Up Comedian (10:19) - Why Patreon Is a Game-Changer in Her Business Model (17:04) - The Wild Reason Jen Lived Like a Pirate for a Year! (24:42) - Jen’s Smartest Social Media Secrets (32:53) - How She Consistently Comes Up with Fresh, Engaging Content   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Jen’s Upcoming Special - Shabby Chic   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!  xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. The way we work is shifting faster than ever. Titles might stay the same, but underneath, everything is changing.   Whether you're part of a corporate structure, managing your own business, or navigating the freelance world, the rules of work are being redefined in real-time.    But take a moment to breathe—you don't need to panic or question your entire professional identity. You don't need to resort to hiding under your desk with a bag of Doritos (although... no judgment if you do). What you do need is a practical, actionable plan.   This episode is your roadmap for what's next. We're here to guide you on how to navigate change with wisdom, how to craft a life that truly fits in this evolving work landscape, and why the future is for those who don't just work harder—they adapt smarter.    If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply exhausted, I'm offering you a fresh dose of hope—and a plan to step out of this season three steps ahead. Let's prepare you to thrive, be bold, and be ready for the future.  Timestamps: (00:57) -Why the Future of Work Matters More Than Ever (02:20) - The New Rules of Work (08:23) -The Hidden Fear Factor Sabotaging Your Career (09:49) - Why Personal Growth Is Your Greatest Career Move (10:27) - Your Staying Ahead Toolkit for the Shifting Work World WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! How Much Can I Charge as a Coach? Quiz Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - Clinique Love Pop Lipstick Join Called Creatives   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm joined by my brilliant and beautiful friend Mary Marantz. She went from Yale Law to full-time photographer to best-selling author—and let me tell you, her story is a masterclass in trusting God with the pivots.   We're talking about how to build a business that means something, what it looks like to rewrite your story while you're still in the middle of it, and why sometimes the door that slams in your face might be the setup for something greater.   Mary is wisdom and warmth wrapped in a gorgeous blonde blowout, and she's here to remind you that your past doesn't disqualify you—it prepares you. If you've been wondering if it's too late to start over or too messy to move forward, pull up a seat. You're in the right place. Timestamps: (01:58) - The Power of Pivoting (18:43) - Common Mistakes Authors Make (20:25)- Smart Strategies to Grow Your Platform, Podcast, and Social Media Today (24:47) - What She’d Do If She Were Starting Over Today (31:59) - How to Recover From Burnout WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE Links to great things we discussed:    Mary’s Travel Recommendation - Yeti Mary’s Skincare Recommendation - Golden Hour Mary’s  Recommendation - Canva Mary’s Product Recommendation - Hatch Mary’s TV Recommendation - The Handmaid’s Tale Mary’s Achiever Quiz   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Here is a truth most people avoid: Just because it's familiar doesn't mean it's faithful to your future. That friendship where you're the unpaid therapist? That group you got guilt-tripped into joining faster than you could say, "I guess I can help"? That job that drains your soul every Sunday night, just thinking about Monday morning? Yep. That.   You don't need a crisis to walk away. You don't need a round of applause to choose peace. But since I'm here, let me say it anyway: You have the power to put it down now. God never asked you to carry all that.   This episode is for the woman who's tired of spinning all the plates while smiling like everything's fine. You're not alone in this struggle. Whether you're raising teens with more opinions than clean laundry, building a business from scratch, or barely keeping it together while Instagram keeps showing you everyone else's picture-perfect life, I need you to hear me clearly: You are allowed to walk away.    You don't need permission, but if a little holy affirmation helps, here it is: You're not quitting; you're obeying. You're not letting people down; you're laying your burdens down.   Let this be the day you stop apologizing for no longer being available for chaos. The peace you crave isn't selfish—it's sacred. It's your right to prioritize your well-being.   Timestamps:   (01:31) -The Permission Problem (02:23) - 3 Types of Drains We Tolerate (06:24) -The Real Cost of Tolerating What’s Quietly Draining You (07:31) - Why We Keep Holding On to What’s Holding Us Back (08:17) - Your Step-by-Step Liberation Plan to Finally Let Go   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - What's Up Beauty - Watch Me! Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Annie F. Downs, a best-selling author, podcaster, speaker, and Enneagram enthusiast, for a powerhouse conversation you won’t want to miss.   We’re two Enneagram Sevens pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a thriving business and grow a platform, without losing yourself in the process. You know those glossy success stories that make it all look effortless?    Well, we’re here to talk about the real journey, the bad advice we ignored, the behind-the-scenes realities no one tells you about, and the lessons that shaped us.   So, if you love business and you need a fresh shot of motivation and wisdom, this one’s for you. Buckle up, friend—it’s going to be a good one! Timestamps: (08:05) - Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Start a Podcast (11:02) - What Actually Grows a Podcast (And What Doesn’t) (25:15) - Find Your Lane and Run Fast (32:02) - Don’t Just Dream—Get in the Room with People Who’ve Done It (39:22) - What’s Really Working on Social Media Right Now   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE Links to great things we discussed:    Annie’s Favorite Skin Care Product - Cattle + Comb Tallow Lotion I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo,   Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Do you know what’s quietly stealing your joy, keeping you small, and making sure everyone else’s needs come first, while yours barely make the list? Being low maintenance. Yep, I said it.   Somewhere along the way, we got the message: don’t ask for much, don’t rock the boat, and definitely don’t be “difficult.” But let’s get real—that’s not a virtue. That’s a survival strategy we learned to keep the peace, and it’s keeping us stuck.   Today, I’m calling it out. If you’ve ever said, “No worries, whatever works!” when it absolutely did not work, or if you’ve ever ignored that little voice in your head telling you what you actually want, it’s time to break free. You’re not “too much.” You’re not “demanding.” You’re a human with real wants and needs, and you deserve to own them, without apology. Timestamps:   (02:42)-Where Exactly Did the Low-Maintenance Myth Come From (04:22) - The Cortisol Cascade: How People-Pleasing Wrecks Your Nervous System (06:49) -Your Identity Is at Stake: What You’re Really Losing When You Keep the Peace (08:52) - Practical Ways to Start Showing Up Without Shrinking Your Needs (12:01) - How to Finally Break the Low-Maintenance Cycle   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Don't forget -- The Uplift app is FINALLY here! Try it free for 30 days. Alli’s Product Recommendation - Native Path Bone Health Collagen Peptides Some things are beautiful, some things are meaningful—but when you find both in one? That’s something special. Little Things Studio’s Hymn Tea Towel set brings beloved hymns to life through stunning floral designs printed on 100% cotton for the perfect blend of charm and function.   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo,   Alli

Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with my coaching client and dear friend, Kelly Pelfrey — a wildly gifted artist whose work is as breathtaking as her story. I call her the modern Monet (even though it makes her blush).   Since we started working together, Kelly has tripled her income, discovered her creative rhythm, and built a business that honors both her art and her well-being. Her success is a reassuring sign that you can find a balance between passion and profit—you can have both.   So, if you’ve ever dreamed of making a living doing what you love without running yourself into the ground, this episode is for you. Get ready to hear how Kelly protects her peace, grows with intention, and turns creativity into not just a calling, but a thriving business. Timestamps: (08:40) - How Coaching Can Change Everything (13:49) - A Simple Daily Structure That Supports Productivity and Peace (20:18) - What’s Broken in the Art World (And How Creatives Can Lead the Change) (22:30) - What She’d Do If She Were Starting Over Today (25:51) - The Morning Routine That Fuels Creative Success WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:  Kelly’s TV Art Kelly’s Song Recommendation - Psalm 90 Kelly’s Book Recommendation - Here One Moment Kelly’s Product Recommendation - Donama Cervical Memory Foam Pillow Kelly’s Makeup Recommendation - MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Kelly’s App Recommendation - Every Dollar I hope you loved this episode! 🎉. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And did you know that I'm on YouTube! If you’re enjoying the content, it would mean the world if you left a review and sprinkled some stars—it’s like a virtual hug for me! 🥰 Take care, be amazing, and keep shining bright!   XO, Alli

What if your exhaustion isn't due to laziness or a lack of motivation but because you've unknowingly become the overworked, unpaid CEO of everyone's life?   You're not alone in feeling this way. You're not tired because you're weak. You're exhausted because you're carrying the weight of multiple lives, including a golden retriever, and the emotional burden of your group chat, while rage-washing dishes, whispering, "It's fine" through clenched teeth.   Let's be real. Overfunctioning isn't sustainable. Emotional CrossFit is not a life plan. Doing everything isn't noble—it's exhausting.   I've lived this, and I'm sharing the mindset shifts and practical steps that helped me break free from overfunctioning and finally breathe again. Let's do less, live better, and take back our peace. Timestamps: (2:53) - Are You Over-Functioning Without Realizing It? (3:30) - Sneaky Signs You're Carrying Too Much (4:58)- Why We Started Over-Functioning in the First Place (6:31) - The Hidden Costs You’re Paying (9:00) - Manageable Steps for Breaking Free from Over-Functioning WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! Alli’s Book Recommendation - Tiny Experiments   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And did you know that I'm on YouTube! If you’re enjoying the content, it would mean the world if you left a review and sprinkled some stars—it’s like a virtual hug for me! 🥰 Take care, be amazing, and keep shining bright!   xo,   Alli