How I'm Rebuilding My Business for 2026

This episode is a bit different. I'm in a reset moment and sharing it out loud.  I'm talking through what I tried to change in my business in 2025, what didn't work, what I'm keeping, and how I'm approaching 2026 from a more rooted place. This is about rebuilding, not rushing, and letting your business actually match your real life. I share why my word for the year is "Rooted," what closing and reopening the Lab taught me, how tech decisions pulled me off track, and why the podcast is staying my main marketing vehicle.  If you've been feeling scattered, stretched thin, or unsure what your next move should be, this episode is an honest look at slowing down so you can move forward with more clarity. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: What "rooted" means for my business in 2026 Why I stopped forcing changes that felt heavy How tech decisions derailed my focus Why the podcast is my main marketing anchor How I'm rebuilding without burning out …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/391

Email has quietly become one of the most powerful places to build trust and drive real business growth, and this conversation digs into why.  I sat down with Allea Grummert for an honest conversation on her podcast Happy Subscribers about how I approach email as a core marketing channel, not just a support tool. We explored what it really takes to grow a list with intention, how to think about email content beyond promotions, and why so many business owners overcomplicate something that can actually feel simple and effective.  This was a thoughtful, practical conversation I knew would resonate with anyone building a business around connection and trust. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: How I think about email as a primary growth channel What actually builds trust with subscribers Why consistency matters more than volume How to simplify your email content strategy What makes people want to stay subscribed …And More!   Special thanks to: Allea Grummert, host of Happy Subscribers Podcast Listen to the original episode here: https://pod.link/1778035534/episode/90426ea022254a9e7e35287a8e3739f9  Website: https://duett.co/  Happy Subscribers Podcast: https://pod.link/1778035534  Connect with Allea on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alleagrummert/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/alleagrummert/    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/390 

This conversation is a reminder that marketing does not have to feel chaotic to be effective.  I joined Sam Brake Guia on his podcast Mics to Millions to unpack how I moved away from the "be everywhere" era and into a more intentional way of showing up. We talked about signature content, supporting content, and how to build a marketing strategy that works within real life constraints like limited time, energy, and attention.  We also got into how I decide what actions are worth my effort, how I keep up with trends without spiraling, and the metrics I actually look at to know what's working. It's a practical, honest conversation about marketing with clarity instead of pressure. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: What mindful marketing actually looks like in practice How to choose signature content that deserves your energy Why being everywhere leads to burnout for podcasters How to pick attraction strategies that feel easier Which metrics matter when measuring real progress …And More!   Special thanks to: Sam Brake Guia, host of Mics to Millions Podcast Listen to the original episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/using-mindful-marketing-to-boost-your-podcast-growth/id1725636457?i=1000702824377 Website: https://linktr.ee/sambguia  Connect with Sam on social media: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambguia/ PodWritten: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelbrakeguia/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/389

This episode is one of my favorites from last year, and I'm bringing it back because it still feels incredibly relevant today.  I break down the idea of seasonal marketing, the gardening analogy I share with my Lab members, and why intentional rest is just as strategic as the hustle that comes before it. I talk about planting, cultivating, harvesting, and wintering, and how each season shapes your content, your energy, and your long term results. If you've ever wondered how rest fits into your marketing strategy, this is the episode that connects the dots.  In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: How seasonal marketing supports long term growth Why rest can strengthen your strategy What each marketing season actually looks like How to make your plans more sustainable Why your energy matters as much as your content …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/388  

If social media has ever felt like a part-time job you didn't even apply for, you're gonna love this one.  I joined Colie James on her Business-First Creatives Podcast for a real conversation about the shift so many of us are making away from social media burnout and toward marketing that actually feels sustainable.  We got into why email has become my highest-impact channel, how I think about balancing the whole ecosystem, and what it looks like to give yourself permission to stop doing marketing tasks that drain you.  This conversation went deep, and I knew I had to bring it here.  In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Why email has become my most powerful, highest-converting marketing channel. How I think about prioritizing platforms using a "primary, secondary, ensemble cast" approach. The real reason so many business owners feel exhausted by social media (and why it's not your fault). How AI fits into my writing process as an assistant instead of a replacement. Why your marketing works better when it matches your natural tendencies and not someone else's formula. …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Special thanks to: Colie James, host of Business-First Creatives Podcast Listen to the original episode here: https://coliejames.com/shifting-the-priority-from-social-media-to-email-marketing-with-andrea-jones/ Website: https://coliejames.com/ Connect with Colie on social media: Threads: https://www.threads.com/@coliejames YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coliejames    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/387

Rage bait was just named Oxford's 2025 Word of the Year, so I'm bringing back one of my most talked about episodes.  After being interviewed by the BBC last year about this topic, I was invited back again this week, along with 14 syndicated interviews across Canada on CBC, all because interest in rage bait has exploded. In this re-run, I revisit what rage bait actually is, how it works, and why it is such a powerful emotional trigger online.  I also break down the difference between satire, clickbait, shitposting, and true rage bait, plus the long term impact these tactics can have on your mental health and your brand. This episode is your guide to understanding the internet's most explosive trend. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: Why rage bait was named the 2025 Word of the Year How rage bait works and why it spreads so quickly The thin line between satire and manipulation How TikTok changed virality and discoverability Why rage based content damages trust and community …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/386

If you're tired of chasing trends, this episode is your reset.  I'm sharing my 2026 marketing predictions and the five year pattern I uncovered while looking back on how marketing has shifted since 2021. I talk about AI fatigue, micro communities, content systems, earned trust, and why seasonality is going to matter more than ever next year.  This episode is all about doing what matters and creating a marketing approach that supports your real life, not just the algorithm. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: Why AI will be the backbone, not the boss Why micro communities are outperforming big audiences How sustainable content systems will take over Why earned trust beats trend chasing How seasonality is reshaping marketing …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/385

Marketing feels weird right now. In this episode, I unpack why everything suddenly feels off aka the drop in engagement, the rise of AI-generated content, the overload of information, and what I'm calling the "attention rebellion".  I share what's really happening behind the scenes with user behavior, why originality matters more than ever, and how brands can stand out by leaning deeper into context, discernment, and human-centered marketing. If you've felt unsettled by how fast everything is changing, you're not imagining it and this episode will help you understand what's shifting and why. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: Why engagement is dropping everywhere What the "attention rebellion" means for your content Why context matters more than information How tool fatigue is reshaping marketing Why human-centered brands will stand out in 2026 …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/384

It's the end of an era. In this episode, I share why the Mindful Marketing Lab is officially wrapping up and what's next.  This behind-the-scenes conversation dives into the lessons learned from six years of running a membership, the realities of change in marketing, and how I'm simplifying everything in my business moving forward.  From AI to evolving community spaces, this episode kicks off a four-part series on what the next phase of marketing looks like. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: Why the Mindful Marketing Lab is closing The business and personal lessons learned How marketing has changed since 2020 Why simplicity beats complexity in 2026 What's next for this new chapter …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/383

You don't need a new tagline, you just need to know who you are.  In this powerful conversation with Dr. Rhonda Alexander, we talk about how to show up authentically in business when you've outgrown an old version of yourself. From letting go of performance and perfection to honoring your current season of life, this episode is about rebuilding your brand from a place of truth, confidence, and ease. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Why clarity starts with identity, not branding The difference between performing and being authentic How to navigate slow seasons and business doubt Listening to your body for aligned decisions Honoring your energy and current season of life …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Dr. Rhonda Alexander is an award-winning author, strategist, speaker, and founder of SoulScribe Consulting & Publishing Co., where she helps high-achieving women transform their expertise into movements, books, and six-figure platforms rooted in their authenticity. With a doctorate in Strategic Leadership and a background in executive coaching, Dr. Rhonda is a trusted advisor to powerhouse women ready to pivot from success to legacy. Her work blends spiritual wisdom with business acumen, guiding women to build what's next without betraying who they are. Off stage, she's a devoted mama and chocolate lover, and her happiest place is anywhere near the ocean. Website: https://www.thedrrhonda.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedrrhonda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrhondaalexander  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrrhonda    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/382