Earn It

In this inspiring episode of Earn It, Laurie Stephens shares her journey from a challenging childhood in foster care to founding LOVEDOG, a luxury dog accessories brand with a meaningful mission at its core. Built at the intersection of style and social impact, LOVEDOG supports local dog rescues while empowering the women behind them.Laurie opens up about how she turned her lifelong love for dogs and her personal experiences into a purpose-driven business, the realities of starting and growing a brand from the ground up, and what it really takes to stay resilient as an entrepreneur. She also shares how LOVEDOG has evolved over the years, what sets the brand apart in a crowded market, and the balance between creative vision and running a business.We also get into the role of PR and earned media in building brand awareness, her recent launch of LOVEDOG Weddings, and how she continues to expand the brand while staying true to its mission.Whether you’re building a business, passionate about giving back, or just love a brand that stands for something bigger, this conversation is a reminder that the most impactful brands are the ones built with heart — and earned every step of the way.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

This episode is a special one because the guest is not only an incredibly talented and well-respected publicist, but she’s the newest member of the Adler PR team, Nicole Myden.It felt only fitting to have Nicole on the podcast because she brings such a unique and well-rounded perspective to the industry. She’s seen PR from every angle —agency life, in-house roles, and building her own business from the ground up. Nicole started her career in Los Angeles, working in entertainment PR and gaining experience at top agencies before eventually making her way to Arizona. From there, she launched her own PR business, where she built a brand centered around helping small businesses gain the visibility they truly deserve.She’s also the author of the Amazon best-selling book You Are Worthy of Publicity, and someone who deeply understands not just the strategy behind PR, but also the mindset and energy it takes to put yourself out there.Now, in this season of her career, she’s joined Adler PR as an account director, bringing with her that entrepreneurial mindset, diverse experience, and more than 25 years of expertise that Adler PR's clients are already benefiting from.This episode dives into Nicole's journey, from LA to launching her own business, to working in-house, and now being part of the Adler PR team. We also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, when to pivot, protecting your energy and what it really takes to build a successful PR career. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

In this episode of Earn It, Jennifer interviews Dr. Kristopher Alpers, founder of Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Adler PR client, to explore what it takes to build and scale a premier dental practice rooted in innovation, trust, and leadership.Recognized as one of Arizona’s Best Doctors, Dr. Alpers has built a Scottsdale-based practice that blends cutting-edge technology with a deeply personalized, patient-first approach. From comprehensive 3D imaging and early-detection diagnostics to advanced cosmetic and implant solutions, he is redefining modern dentistry by prioritizing prevention and whole-body health. His philosophy is simple but powerful: patients should feel informed, empowered, and genuinely cared for — not rushed through an appointment.Jen and Dr. Alpers discuss his journey from collegiate athlete to entrepreneur, the lessons in discipline and resilience that shaped his leadership style, and the realities of acquiring and growing a private practice. He shares how he has scaled his business while maintaining culture, invested heavily in team development, and leveraged emerging technologies, including AI, to elevate both clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience.The conversation also dives into mentorship, community involvement and why giving back is a core pillar of his business model. From coaching fellow dentists nationwide to his continued service with The Neighborhood Christian Clinic, Dr. Alpers believes true success is measured by impact beyond his own walls. He also shares surprising oral health facts, key business lessons learned along the way, and his perspective on where healthcare and dentistry are headed in the years ahead.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

Season 2 of Earn It kicks off with a conversation that perfectly captures what this show is all about: building success through hard work, relationships and giving back to the local community.In this episode, Jen is joined by longtime Adler PR client and friend, Kirk McClure, a construction industry leader at JE Dunn Construction and founder of two golf-focused ventures – Stadium Classic and 3Ten.Kirk shares his path into the construction industry, how he carved out a niche in new business development, and what his client solutions role at JE Dunn entails. He also opens up about what it’s like to balance a demanding full-time career while building and scaling two side businesses, both related to his passion for golf. With Stadium Classic around the corner, this timely episode dives into how Kirk has grown the annual event into one of the Valley’s most unique and impactful charity golf tournaments supporting deserving nonprofits.Throughout the conversation, Kirk and Jen discuss leadership, lessons learned along the way, the power of community involvement, and the effectiveness of PR for both large corporate organizations and mission-driven nonprofits.This episode is a must-listen for professionals who want to grow their careers, entrepreneurs building something on the side, and anyone who believes success is more meaningful when it’s used to make a difference.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

In this Season 1 finale of Earn It, Jen is joined by Adler PR client, Adam Strecker, CEO and founding partner of Hi Noon Hospitality, the locally-owned restaurant group behind Valley favorites Buck & Rider, Ingo’s Tasty Food, and its newest concept, Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean.Born and raised in New Orleans, Adam’s passion for food started early and was shaped by his love of fishing, cooking, and hospitality. After joining the military to pay for college, he earned a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of New Orleans and went on to spend a decade with Hillstone Restaurant Group before joining LGO Hospitality. Over 15 years with LGO, Adam rose to Partner, COO, and President, while co-founding Buck & Rider and Ingo’s along the way.In this episode, Adam shares how a relentless commitment to quality, consistency, and craft has guided every stage of his career, from opening a single restaurant to thoughtfully scaling multiple concepts without cutting corners. He discusses the discipline required to grow a local restaurant group, why design details and service standards matter just as much as the menu, and how Hi Noon Hospitality continues to build brands that stand the test of time.If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring restaurateur, this episode is packed with  wisdom gained from decades of working in all aspects of the restaurant industry and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what is required to create standout restaurant concepts. This conversation with Adam is another lesson in what it takes to earn long-term success and is an amazing listen to close out 2025 and the first season of this podcast.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

"Joey Boy" Rodriguez, host of The Morning Mess radio show on LIVE 101.5 Phoenix, joins the show for a fun episode about his long career in local radio. Joey was born in Philly, grew up in S. CA and then relocated to Phoenix which he has called home for many years. He has worked in radio for a long time, getting his start at Power 106 in Los Angeles, working at Q104.7 in Ventura (close to my hometown) before moving to Phoenix in 2002 and ultimately joining Live 101.5 in 2013.The Morning Mess was created in 2014 with Joey Boy as the ringleader and, although it has evolved significantly over the years, it is still going strong as one of the top morning radio shows in Phoenix.Joey is a proud Puerto Rican and dad of a blended family and is never afraid to share stories about his kids on social media and through his popular YouTube channel Rollin with Rodriguez.Tune in to this episode for more about Joey Boy's story, diverse background and passion for radio, along with the some important lessons he's learned over the years, like prioritizing quality of life over money. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

Dr. Bryan Gawley, one of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s premier plastic surgeons, joins the show today as the first Adler PR client guest on Earn It. Dr. Gawley is the founder of both MD Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale and MDSkin Lounge, a med spa with locations in Arcadia, N. Scottsdale and Park City, Utah. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face and combines his extensive training and state-of-the-art technology to provide his patients with personalized care and natural results.Dr. Gawley has more than 13 years of advanced education and training. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed a 5-year accredited plastic surgery residency program at the University of Texas, Galveston. During his residency, he also completed the externship at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Gawley is one of Arizona’s leading experts in cosmetic facial surgery and provides unparalleled facial rejuvenation through his signature G|Restore treatment. He also is one of the top cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeons in the Valley and prides himself on helping breast cancer patients regain their sense of wholeness following mastectomy. In recognition of his accomplishments and excellence in plastic surgery, Dr. Gawley has been voted one of Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors for more than 10 years running and been recognized with numerous other prestigious industry and top doctor awards. His comprehensive training, focus on patient care, and outstanding results have made Dr. Gawley one the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the Valley.For more information about Dr. Gawley and his plastic surgery practice, visit gawleyplasticsurgery.com. For more information about MDSkin, visit mdskinlounge.com.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

It was only a matter of time before I had my husband as a guest on the show and today’s the day! Dallas McLaughlin is a digital marketing leader and the founder of Dallas McLaughlin Digital Marketing. With more than 12 years of experience in full-service advertising agencies, Dallas has worked with businesses and marketing teams across a variety of industries, including travel, hospitality, e-commerce, retail, finance and nonprofits. There, he was responsible for hiring and managing teams, building standard operating procedures, and leading the development and execution of full-funnel digital marketing strategies, all of which helped businesses achieve their annual growth goals.Four and half years ago, Dallas left his career in traditional agencies to start his own business, Dallas McLaughlin Digital Marketing, which offers paid search, paid social media, streaming and programmatic display. His business model is direct-to-expert and provides tailored strategies aligned with client goals, with transparent pricing and cancel anytime contracts. Today, Dallas manages millions of dollars in annual ad spend for over a dozen clients, operating across the full sales funnel to deliver exceptional results.Dallas is a Google Certified Premier Partner, which is awarded to only the top 3% of US Agencies, and he also was recognized as the 2023 winner of the American Marketing Association’s Best Digital Marketing Campaign. He’s been featured on major industry sites including Entrepreneur, Inc, Simply Measured and Kissmetrics and was a guest on the TED Original Podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant. Dallas is a digital marketing industry leader, early adopter of AI, and one of the smartest people I know, which is one of the reasons I married him.Tune into this episode to hear Dallas' digital marketing expertise, insights and unconventional way of thinking, along with some NEW NEWS...an exciting announcement about his latest venture! For more information about Dallas McLaughlin Digital Marketing, visit dallasmclaughlin.com.  👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

This episode mixes it up a bit to talk about one of the most important aspects of starting and running a business – finances. Chris Fallon, the founder of Phoenix-based accounting firm, Numbers Matter, and my CPA, joins the show to discuss all the ins and outs of business budgeting, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, taxes, retirement planning and more.As someone who majored in English and is definitely more right-brained, accounting is not my strong suit and initially was one of the most daunting aspects of being a new business owner. I went through three CPAs before finally finding Chris because I didn’t know exactly what I needed or the right questions to ask. As an entrepreneur himself, Chris has an innate understanding of business accounting and is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs achieve their financial dreams.Chris has more than 30 years of financial experience and obtained his B.S. and MBA from Gannon University. He founded Numbers Matter in 2006, which he rebranded in 2017. Chris has worked with a wide range of businesses, from real estate and brick-and-mortar retail to manufacturing and nonprofits, providing full-service accounting solutions that go beyond the numbers.Tune in to hear Chris' valuable insights and visit nmaab.com for more information about his company's services. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be on live TV? Darrell J. Cunningham shares a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into hosting and producing local lifestyle show, Your Life Arizona. Darrell is an accomplished reporter, producer, and content creator and one of the most motivated, energetic, determined and personable people you’ll ever meet.He was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida and is a first generation college student. He earned a bachelor of science degree in communications from Florida State University, a master of arts degree in new media journalism from Full Sail University, and a master of science degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University. Darrell started his broadcast journalism career in Tallahassee, FL and went on to Capitol Hill in Washington DC before moving to Phoenix to join Arizona’s Family. When he’s not at work, he enjoys time with his gentle giant great Dane, volunteering at community events, exploring Arizona, traveling and gaming.This inspiring episode dives into the importance of storytelling, authenticity, going to therapy and, most importantly, never giving up!👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

McKenna Wesley is the creator behind The Bubbly Blonde, a fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and travel platform that has grown to more than 1.6 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, LTK, and Pinterest. She’s been a professional model since she was six weeks old and was previously signed with LA Models and New York Model Management. Her early start in the fashion world gave her a strong foundation that later led to the creation of The Bubbly Blonde in 2014.Now a full-time lifestyle influencer, McKenna regularly partners with big brands, including Lexus International, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Virgin Voyages, and Ramy Brook. Through The Bubbly Blonde, McKenna continues to inspire women to lead confident, stylish, and intentional lives. Tune in to hear McKenna's advice for breaking into the influencer space, what types of posts are getting the most engagement right now, how she keeps up with all the social media algorithm changes, and what's next for The Bubbly Blonde!Follow McKenna on Instagram: @thebubblyblonde.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

Cynthia Sassi is not only an entrepreneur, but a member of the media and an influencer in her own right. She has been a force in online publishing for more than a decade, working with some of the nation’s most respected brands and publications along the way. She's an authority on the subjects of online publishing, social media, digital marketing, web design, and entrepreneurship. The President and Founder of online magazine Fabulous Arizona (and its parent company Fabulous Media Group), Cynthia is a fixture in the Arizona community. She also is the co-founder of digital marketing agency Say Less Media and luxury travel magazine, Luxe Getaways. In her spare time, Cynthia speaks on subjects ranging from digital media to female entrepreneurship in the 21st Century.Discover how Cynthia navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, expanded her brand across multiple states, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Tune in for insights on leadership, the importance of passion, why less is more and the power of building genuine relationships in business. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a true innovator in the media industry and online publishing world.Follow Cynthia on Instagram at @cynthiasassi and Fabulous Arizona at @fabulousarizona. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

In this compelling first guest episode of "Earn It," we delve into the remarkable journey of Melanie McBride Oliver, a respected female leader in the PR and advertising industry. Melanie launched her career in unusual fashion after a divorce and returning to college as a single mom of four. With a degree in communications from the University of Utah, Melanie excelled in public relations at agencies in Salt Lake City. Her love for sunshine and the outdoors drew her to Scottsdale, Arizona where in less than a year, she took the bold leap to start her own PR firm, McBride Communications. This experience was instrumental in developing an understanding of running a business while establishing a name for herself in a new city. After only three years, her thriving business got the attention of two renowned Phoenix agencies that had their eye on acquiring her company. EB Lane, a two-generation, full-service agency, found its way into Melanie heart by way of clients, including Super Bowl Host Committee, Waste Management Phoenix Open, and Arizona Cardinals, among several outstanding healthcare organizations. Melanie was part of the leadership team running a growing PR team of 8-11 people at any given time.  Family and four seasons lured Melanie back to Utah where she continued in PR, but then broadened her role into client relationships and strategy focused on healthcare. She currently is Senior Vice President, Client Relations for a 130-person national agency, TrendyMinds, where she is strategist and account lead on two of the company’s largest healthcare clients.    Melanie's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Discover how she transformed her passion for communications into a thriving career, starting her own PR firm and becoming an agency executive and corporate strategist. Join us as Melanie shares her insights on leadership, what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, the power of relationships and her mission of inspiring the next generation of women business leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the grit and grace it takes to be the velvet hammer and the importance of leaning in.Follow Melanie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-mcbride-oliver/.👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

What does it really take to build a business from scratch and what makes earned success so much sweeter?In this premiere solo episode of Earn It, host Jennifer Adler McLaughlin, founder of Adler Public Relations and seasoned PR strategist, shares the personal story behind launching her award-winning firm, the leap from advertising agency life to entrepreneurship, and how she got where she is today through grit, resilience, and perserverance.This episode sets the stage for what's to come: candid conversations about entrepreneurship, public relations, media, marketing, and the value of building something of your own.If you're a small business owner, aspiring founder, PR or marketing pro who values honest storytelling, actionable insights, and hard work – this podcast is for you!👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.  

Welcome to Earn It, a podcast about ambitious entrepreneurship and the power of PR, geared toward small business owners, aspiring founders, and PR and marketing professionals. If you’re running your own business, thinking about starting one, or just curious about what it actually takes, this podcast is for you!Hosted by Jennifer Adler McLaughlin, 20-year PR pro and founder of lifestyle and luxury PR firm, Adler Public Relations, Earn It is a space for sharing inspirational stories about why entrepreneurs take the leap, challenges they’ve overcome and what they’ve learned along the way. Each episode features candid conversations with small business owners, industry thought leaders, media, and influencers who’ve navigated obstacles and put in the hard work to achieve their dreams.Whether you're just starting out, scaling your business or looking for ways to level up your PR and marketing game, Earn It delivers the practical tips and actionable insights you need to succeed.Why listen? Because in an era of glorified entrepreneurship, shortcuts and overnight success illusions, this podcast pulls back the curtain on real world stories of perseverance and earned success. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop.Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it.Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcastFollow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27Visit adlerpublicrelations.com for more information about Adler PR.