Do What You Want!

Send us Fan Mail"Everyone thought I was crazy for walking away. But for the first time in my life, I wasn't abandoning myself."Oooh... powerful words!Do you ever feel like you're abandoning yourself so you can just... survive?Maybe you're barely surviving because you're not ABLE to truly be yourself. And if you could follow the path that is meant for you, it will help you break free.That's what this week's episode is all about, where Karina Pontiles shares her R.I.S.E. method with us and how playing the rules and doing what we *think* we should be doing... is really holding us back.We talk about:The hidden cost of doing what you’re “supposed to do”What Karina had to unlearn to actually feel freeWhy success without alignment will always feel emptyHer R.I.S.E.™ Method and how to rewire subconscious patternsHow to break out of survival mode and reclaim your truthIf you've been secretly craving a full-blown life and business reset, this episode may just give you permission to choose what's true to you... not what's expected of you from others.🔗 Links & Resources:👉 Learn more about Karina and her R.I.S.E.™ Method: www.karinapontiles.com 👉 Follow Karina on Instagram: @karinapontiles 👉 Connect with Rachael: rj-creative.comThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailSometimes, it's hard to know if fear is actually protecting you... or keeping you small.In this episode, I sit down with Jenn T. Peterson, an Equus coach, Shamanic Reiki Master, and former award-winning marketer who uses horses with her clients to help mirror their truth in ways that most humans can't.We talk about:How to decode false fear vs. real fear (and why you get stuck in the fake kind)What a horse can tell you about your marketing plan (yes, really)Why your body already knows what your brain is resistingWhat it means to run a soul-aligned businessHow Jen's method helps women shift from selling with pressure to selling with purposeIf you've ever felt like marketing is icky or selling doesn't feel good... this conversation will completely reframe how you think about visibility, confidence, and running a business that feels like you.Click or tap here to book a free soul-aligned sales activation session with Jenn.Or go to her website to learn more at www.jenntpeterson.comThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you go from CEO of an ed-tech company to a stay-at-home mom to launching a business that helps teachers leave the classroom? Lisa Harding joins Rachael to talk about her unexpected leap into entrepreneurship—and how she went from supporting teachers inside the system to empowering them to find freedom outside of it.In this conversation, Lisa shares how she overcame the fear of judgment, the ethical questions she wrestled with, and why she felt morally obligated to help teachers transition out of the classroom with support, strategy, and a whole lot of heart.We also dive into:What sparked Lisa’s career shift (hint: it wasn’t about being her own boss—at first)The imposter syndrome she faced, even after leading a company as CEOWhy teachers make incredible employees and entrepreneursThe surprising power of supportive community during any big life transitionHer advice for teachers who are scared to make the jump—or unsure if they even shouldWhether you’re a burned-out teacher, a quiet entrepreneur, or someone wondering what else is out there—this one’s for you.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Teacher Career Transition AcademyFree Career Directory with 200+ career options for former teachers: Grab it here.Facebook Group for Career Transitioning Teachers: Check it out here🧠 Connect with Lisa Harding:Instagram: @teachercareertransitionacademyPodcast: Beyond the Classroom📬 Like this episode? Make sure to subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and sign up for The Real Deal Digest—Rachael’s weekly love letter to brave entrepreneurs doing things their own way: Subscribe here.Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Do What You Want, we explore life, death, and everything in between with certified death doula Jill McClennen, host of the Seeing Death Clearly podcast. We talk about:Why preparing for death doesn’t make it arrive sooner—and how that superstition can create chaos later on.Jill’s powerful “aha moment” that led her from bakery owner to death doula after caring for her grandmother.What it’s like to start a business in a niche most people avoid thinking about—and how she makes it approachableHer experience supporting a client through New Jersey’s Medical Aid in Dying law and why language matters.The unseen chaos families face when there’s no plan: healthcare proxies, passwords, and last wishes left unspoken.How facing death has changed the way Jill lives—more present, more grateful, and more intentional.The balance between following a soul-calling and making a sustainable living—and why choosing stability doesn’t mean failure.You can learn more about Jill her business at www.endoflifeclarity.comListen to her podcast here: Seeing Death ClearlyJill's YouTube: End of Life ClarityThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Do What You Want, I’m joined by Maria Gabriela Guevara, a former pharmacist turned Ayurvedic practitioner who helps women navigate perimenopause, burnout, and midlife transitions with compassion, clarity, and ancient wisdom.We dive into what happens when your body starts sending signals you can’t ignore—and how those whispers (or full-on screams) can become your greatest guides in life and business.Whether you’re a health coach, holistic practitioner, or simply an entrepreneur craving more alignment, this conversation will help you reframe burnout, rethink your relationship with aging, and trust the power of doing things differently.----------------Maria's IG: @intuitive_ayurvedaGet Maria's Starter Kit at https://www.intuitiveayurveda.com/starterkitThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailWhen Meg Kendall had a five-day-old baby and a job she dreaded, she knew something had to change. Fast-forward to today: she's co-founder of a thriving climate tech agency, building her dream business while raising a family—and challenging the way we talk about sustainability. In this episode, we talk about finding your niche, navigating imposter syndrome, and how one "random" coffee chat changed the trajectory of Meg's business 6 months later. Plus: what greenwashing really is, and why some companies are now afraid to talk about their climate wins. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone who wants to build a business that actually feels good.Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megkendall/The Climate Hub website: https://theclimatehub.co/Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when you've been fired from over half your jobs—and you're tired of pretending to be someone you’re not?You reinvent yourself. Again. And again. And again! Until it clicks.In this episode of the Do What You Want podcast, I sit down with Kat Fleming, a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur whose journey from retail jobs and Hollywood screenwriting to healing, wellness, and coaching is nothing short of inspiring. Kat shares how her marathon injury became a turning point for her physical and emotional healing—and how she’s now helping other wellness practitioners set better boundaries, avoid burnout, and build sustainable, soul-aligned businesses.Whether you’re a creative, coach, healer, or just someone who’s done with the “shoulds,” this episode is a powerful reminder that your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you.--------------------Kat’s website: katfleming.comFollow Kat on Instagram: @kat_fleming_wellnessThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailRachael follows up with Amanda from Episode #7, where they discuss how her labor and birth went from the surrogacy pregnancy, how she's feeling now, and her family's rad plans for the next year.Rachael and Amanda also bond over best copywriting practices and their shared experience of career switching from school teacher to copywriter.In this episode, you'll learn about:Little ways to spread more joyHow non-profit organizations can strategize and write better copy to raise more moneyFrom teacher to business owner: Amanda's entrepreneurial journeyA ChatGPT prompt you've probably never heard of but will help you understand your clients betterThe 7 words to avoid if you don't want to sound like ChatGPTRachael & Amanda's personal beefs with LinkedIn (22:02)How to manage your time with the power of "Theme Days" (28:00)Amanda's birth update & how she's doing emotionally (33:00)Answers to post-surrogacy questions you wouldn't think to ask (36:00)Building an entire village in western Kenya with rural medicine in mind (43:00)Why Amanda is moving her family of 5 to Suriname to help her sister and BIL repeat the rural medicine modelBeing comfortable with being uncomfortable (50:00)-----------------------------------------Amanda's Website, Lemon Zest Copywriting: https://lemonzestcopywriting.com/We Meet Wednesdays online networking group: https://wemeetwednesdays.thrivecart.com/wemeet-vip1/ (In the referral box, let them know who sent you: Rachael Johnson)Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailRachael, your host of the Do What You Want! podcast, shares the Cliff Notes version of her journey through her 30s and most importantly, why she wanted to start this podcast.Listen to learn what forced Rachael to step outside her comfort zone and make choices that changed her life in the best way possible. All because she decided she was going to do what she wanted to do.Tune in to hear a relatable, all-too-familiar scenario that women find themselves in... and how one woman turned it around to make her life better than she ever could have imagined.Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailIt's the Amanda Amanda Amanda Amanda showwwwww....(Apologies if you're not a 90s kid and don't get that reference.)ANYWAY. In this month's episode of Do What You Want!, you get the answers to ALL the questions you've ever wanted to ask someone who is a surrogate carrier. At the time this episode was recorded, Amanda was 8 months pregnant with the baby of two dads. I ask the questions you might be too uncomfortable to ask someone in this position. That's right- let your curiosity be PIQUED, my friend. And satisfy it by listening to Amanda talk about her experience in depth.In the second half of this episode, Amanda dives into "expiration dating." If you think *your* love story doesn't fit the fairy tale mold, well... wait until you hear what Amanda has to say about hers.And I'm gonna say it now: This episode took a turn at the end... which means you'll have to keep an eye out for a second interview with Amanda in 2025. She threw me a curveball, that's for sure!Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month.Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rachael and Krista dive into the journey of embracing imperfection, following your passion, and taking those brave steps to live the life you want.If you've been feeling stuck or hesitant about a big life change, this conversation is sure to push you in the direction your gut is telling you that you need to go. Some big takeaways from our convo includes:Letting go of perfectionLeaning into what genuinely lights you upAligning with your core valuesBeing intentional with your daysTrusting your inner strengthOh gosh, there's so much more... but we can't give all of it away!Krista is a certified life coach who helps moms rediscover themselves and become the confident, empowered mom they want their kids to remember. As a mother of 3, she knows what it's like to completely lose yourself in Motherhood and let everyone else dictate her mood, worth and value. After finding her purpose as a life coach, she now shows up as the Mom she wants to be for her kids and walk confidently in who she is as a person.If you'd like to learn more about Krista or have her help you navigate through motherhood, go to www.hudsonlifecoaching.com to learn more or follow her on IG @hudsonlifecoachingResources mentioned:The Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizNotes from the UniverseThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailWere you one of the unfortunate ones who was working in a foreign country back in 2020...And then a pandemic happened and you got laid off...(Because, you know, COVID)......And then you were unsure of what to do next?That’s what happened to this week’s guest during that crazy year we all went through. But Sarah Hopkinson figured out how to handle it pretty quickly!In this week's episode, we talk about the business she started, what it's like to move to a foreign country and be bilingual, and why imperfection is a beautiful thing.And if you’re a francophile (like moi), you’ll be curious to hear what it’s like to move to and work in France.👉 PODCASTS HOSTS! You'll want to give this one a listen because Sarah has some ideas for your show that will make you go 🤯.-----------Sarah's website that we talk about in the episode 👉 www.copyhop.coSign up for the Do What You Want Newsletter 👉 subscribepage.io/sUvavl (Brace yourself for quirkiness.)Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. A new episode drops every other week.To subscribe to the "Do What You Want" newsletter for podcast updates and some weekly thoughts from the DWYW host, click here.Interested in being a guest? Fill out this form here and I'll be in touch!Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of "Do What You Want", I have a lovely conversation with Kasia Kalinowska, where we talk about:🤾 Adult Recess🎧 Walking Long Distances Without Electronics♀️ The FemTech Industry✍️ Writing a Novel💻 How to Give Yourself a Good Work-Life Balance🧑‍💻 Being Your Own Nice Boss🧘 Why People Choose to Freelance If you're looking for a MedTech writer to help you with your business or just want to learn more about Kasia, you can find her on LinkedIn, her website, or at her newest blog, "Body Lore". Links below.!www.kasiakalinowska.comhttps://bodylore.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasia-kalinowska/Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what it’d be like to be a pro mascot? We get to peak behind the curtain a *little* this week, where I interview Ace, who figured out how to do what he wanted… which was to become a full-time, professional mascot for a major sports team.We’re not revealing WHICH pro sports mascot he is (because we gotta keep the mystery alive!), but if you’ve ever wondered:•How someone lands a pro sports mascot job•What their job looks like day to day•Their responsibilities when they’re outside of the suit•If their “mascot personality” matches their actual personality•If all the mascots are friends… or foes…•What the job duties of a mascot handler are•(Wait... mascot handler? Now you want to know what a mascot handler is)•Which rules mascots have to follow… then you’re not gonna want to miss this episode!And if you’ve never wondered those things, but now you’re curious… well, sounds like this episode is for you, too!Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. A new episode drops every other week. To subscribe to the "Do What You Want" newsletter for podcast updates and some weekly thoughts from the DWYW host, click here.Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?

Send us Fan MailMy very first guest on the “Do What You Want” podcast is Hira Osama. Hira wears a lot of hats, and she wears them well. She is a mother of two, a successful copywriter, a marketing strategist, and visibility coach for other business owners.Hira lives in Pakistan and encourages other South Asian women to find fulfillment with starting their own businesses through her coaching business and Instagram account, which you can find here: @hiraosamasocialIn this episode, we talk about:- Imposter syndrome and ways to overcome it- Running your business as a mother- Hira’s journey from her first content piece in college to owning her own business- Time management, perfecting routines, and decision paralysis- Being self-employed as a neurodivergent individual- Why swipe files help creatives with meeting deadlines- How to feel comfortable showing up online as an introvert- Taking the time to dig into your past to find the pieces of you that shine and stand out- Reminding ourselves that we are responsible for our own happiness… and the mindset work it takes to get ourselves thereIf you're interested in learning more about Hira, visit her website at www.hiraosama.comThanks so much for listening! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Episodes now drop on the second Wednesday of each month, with some bonus episodes dripped in between. Please, please please leave a review if you enjoy this podcast!Stay connected with your host, Rachael, on the 'Gram: @rachaelwritingcopySubscribe to Rachael's weekly newsletter: The Real Deal DigestIs your DIY copy not converting like you want it to? Take this quiz and get some answers on how to fix it: What's Your Copywriting Blindspot?