Have you ever felt like you were trying to force a square peg into a round hole with your marketing?

Like you were following a cookie cutter system that just didn’t fit your voice or your business?

Ashley Cox knows this feeling all too well.

In this episode, Ashley shares how early in her business she invested in a highly templated marketing program that promised to fast-track her success… but instead left her overwhelmed, disconnected, and doubting herself. Through honest reflection, she realized it wasn’t her fault, but that the materials simply didn’t fit her authentic style or her unique business needs.

With Kristi Mitchell, Ashley explores how marketing doesn’t need to feel sleazy or salesy. It can be authentic, wholesome, and truly connected… and she encourages business owners to try different approaches until they find what feels right.

This episode is packed with real talk and lessons on:

• Letting go of “shoulds” and self-judgment around marketing struggles
• Knowing when a system or tactic just isn’t for you and having the courage to pivot
• How being true to your voice creates deeper connection and sustainable growth
• The power of reflection, rest, and stepping back when burnout hits
• Using video and founder-led content to build genuine relationships
• Embracing marketing as an iterative, evolving process that grows with you
• The value of referrals, recommendations, and trusted connections in business growth

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing tactics that don’t fit, or frustrated by the pressure to hustle in ways that aren’t authentic, this conversation will help you stop the shame and start unfudging your marketing in a way that feels right for you.

Connect with Ashley Cox:

• Website: ashleycox.co
• LinkedIn: Ashley N Cox

Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to UNF*DGE Your Marketing with Kristi Mitchell.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

If you’re a business owner wondering how to leverage AI in your marketing without compromising authenticity and integrity, this episode is for you.

Kristi Mitchell shares her personal journey of initially resisting AI tools like ChatGPT because it felt inauthentic, like content scraped from everywhere else and not truly her own voice. But through experimentation and discovering smarter ways to integrate AI, she’s built a sustainable system that helps her create authentic, consistent content without burnout, huge budgets, or losing control.

Kristi walks you through her process of capturing ideas naturally using voice memos. She then turns those recordings into flexible content with smart AI-assisted tools, all while layering in her unique expertise and editing to stay real.

You’ll learn:

• How to rethink AI not as a replacement but a tool to amplify your authentic voice
• Ways to capture ideas naturally without forcing yourself to write from scratch
• How to build a sustainable content system that saves time, energy, and budget
• Tips for choosing tools and workflows that keep you in the driver’s seat
• Why resisting AI might cost you more time and money in the long run
• How to protect your business values while adopting new tech

If you want to work smarter, not harder, and still keep your content fully you, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a realistic, repeatable AI-powered content approach.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Have you ever felt like marketing is a daunting checklist of cold calls, pitches, and “numbers to hit”, things you have to do rather than want to do?

Ashley Carlson knows that feeling well.

In this episode, Ashley opens up about her journey shifting from the corporate world’s sales-driven, numbers-focused marketing to discovering an authentic way to show up and build relationships in her own business. She shares how she transformed her mindset around marketing from intimidating and overwhelming to something exciting and flexible… tailored to her style and strengths.

Ashley and Kristi discuss how marketing doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, and how the key is finding what feels right and sustainable for you. They dive into why it’s okay to try a few strategies and pivot, how outsourcing content creation helped Ashley balance showing up authentically with managing overwhelm, and the vital role of human connection even in today’s tech-driven world.

You’ll walk away with insights on:

• Reframing marketing as relationship-building, not cold pitching
• Letting go of the “must do” tactics that don’t fit your personality or business
• Finding balance: choosing a few strategies you enjoy and can sustain
• The power of outsourcing to preserve authenticity without burnout
• Why founder-led content and human connection still make the biggest impact
• Practical tips on delegation and scaling your marketing without losing your voice

If you’re tired of the traditional marketing pressure and want to create a game plan that fits you, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Have you ever felt stuck trying to piece together a marketing strategy or website… only to find yourself overwhelmed by timelines, unclear roles, and expectations that keep shifting?

Seth Goldstein knows this struggle all too well.

In this episode with Kristi Mitchell, Seth shares his journey from burned-out journalist to multi-podcast host and seasoned digital marketer, unpacking the hard lessons he’s learned about setting aligned expectations with clients.

You’ll hear the real talk about how marketing projects derail, often not because of the provider, but because collaboration and clarity fall through the cracks.

Together, they explore how starting with either a solid strategy or a basic website can work, as long as there’s a plan to evolve. They dig into why timelines slip when clients don’t prioritize their part, why copywriting should never be an afterthought, and how budget surprises can be avoided with upfront honesty.

This episode is packed with practical insights on:

• The vital role of discovery and kickoff calls in keeping everyone on the same page
• Why “just another page” on your website always costs more than you think
• How collaboration between client and marketer shapes the project’s success
• Managing expectations around time, budget, and deliverables realistically
• Moving past “spaghetti at the wall” marketing toward intentional, strategic growth
• Knowing when to bring in trusted collaborators like copywriters or photographers
• The ups and downs of entrepreneurship

goldsteinmedia.com — digital marketing solutions

podcastmastery.coach — podcast coaching and community

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share the wisdom so others can unfudge their marketing too. See you next time on UNF*DGE Your Marketing with Kristi Mitchell.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Have you ever felt like you were layering someone else’s process over your own dream… only to find your message diluted and your efforts shouting into a void?

Norma Frahn knows that feeling all too well.

In this powerful conversation with Kristi Mitchell, Norma shares her raw story of moving from corporate America into health coaching, only to get caught in the swirl of “guruing”, the one-size-fits-all advice, the promised shortcuts to millionaire status, and the endless funnels and frameworks that didn’t fithervision

.

You’ll hear how embracing clarity, values-alignment, and intentionality became the turning point for Norma, leading her to pivot decisively into HR consulting and build a business on her own terms. Together, they unpack the danger of buying into cookie-cutter solutions and offer a blueprint for tuning into whatfeelsright for you, not just what’s trendy.

This episode is packed with real talk about:

• The cost of trying to force someone else’s playbook onto your business
• Why “gurued” marketing dilutes your authentic message and repels your true audience
• The power of intentional choices: what to keep, what to discard, and when to pivot
• Recognizing and resisting pressure tactics in selling that don’t align with your values
• How clarity on your vision and values are critical foundations before marketing strategy
• Why being selective about your influences can unlock real breakthroughs

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misaligned, or frustrated in your marketing journey, Norma’s story will resonate deeply and inspire you to reclaim your own path and voice.

Connect with Norma Frahn:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-frahn

Visit: On Demand HR Solutions website via Norma’s LinkedIn profile for resources and services

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Feeling uncertain about your business marketing budget in 2025?

You’re not alone.

Kristi Mitchell pulls back the curtain in this raw and candid solo episode, exploring how today’s turbulent economic and political landscape is shaping business owners’ marketing decisions.

From the lingering effects of the pandemic to the swirling concerns over recession and market instability, Kristi shines a light on why so many entrepreneurs feel the knee-jerk urge to cut marketing first… and why that might actually cost you more in the long run.

With years of experience helping clients through downturns, Kristi reminds us thatmeeting clients where they areis more important than ever. She shares strategic perspectives on adjusting your messaging authentically to resonate amid chaos and how digital marketing is no longer an option but a necessity for thriving businesses.

This episode invites you to reframe how you think about marketing spend—not as discretionary fluff but as a crucial investment in your future. You’ll hear why consistency, strategic pivots, and understanding your audience’s shifting mindset can set you up to emerge from uncertainty stronger and more connected.

What you’ll learn:

• Why marketing is often the first budget to get cut—and the danger in that
• How to meet your clients where they are emotionally and practically today
• Practical shifts in messaging and marketing channels to stay relevant
• The power of digital marketing in uncertain times: email, social, SEO, and video
• How to weigh the cost of inaction against the investment in staying connected

If you want to stop letting uncertainty stall your growth and instead lean in with confidence and clarity, this episode is packed with real talk and strategic wisdom you can apply right now.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Do you feel stuck spinning your wheels on the next “big thing” to invest in for your business?

You’re not alone.

In this candid and refreshingly real conversation, marketing strategist Christy Mitchell dives deep with copywriter and storytelling coach Toby Miles about the tricky art of knowingwhenandwhereto invest your time, money, and energy as a growing entrepreneur.

Toby shares her personal journey from early hesitations with small investments, like a $200 copywriting course, to pushing the edges with bigger commitments—and the valuable lessons learned when those investments didn’t go as planned. They discuss the importance of clarity around expectations, knowing what you truly need help with, and the pivotal moment of realizing that sometimes, it’s not aboutcanyou afford to invest, butshouldyou.

You’ll hear actionable advice on how to navigate discovery calls without pressure, recognize authentic help versus sales pitches, and the power of keeping a “business wish list” so you’re ready when the right investment opportunity comes along. Plus, they unpack the mindset shift of conditioning yourself to spend on your business and embrace consistent marketing efforts—even when results feel invisible.

If you want to stop second-guessing your marketing moves and start making investments that truly move the needle, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in for honest stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement to keep investing in yourself without the self-doubt.

What you’ll learn:

• How to identify therightinvestment for where your business is today
• Why clarity and setting expectations can make or break coaching relationships
• The mindset shift from affordability to strategic spending
• Tips to spot genuine offers during discovery or networking calls
• Why consistency in marketing matters even when you’re flying under the radar

Connect with Toby Miles:

Find Toby on LinkedIn.

Join her email list for storytelling tips and updates attobymiles.com

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi Mitchell sits down with content strategist and writer Alison Ver Halen to unpack a marketing misstep many entrepreneurs will relate to: giving in to the pressure to show up on Instagram… even when it doesn’t feel right.

Alison shares her journey of trying to make Instagram work for her B2B content marketing business—why she resisted it at first, how she committed fully, and ultimately why she decided to walk away. Together, Kristi and Alison discuss the importance of knowing your audience, trusting your gut, and choosing marketing tactics that align with your strengths, your goals, and your bandwidth.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing a marketing tactic just because others say you “should,” this episode will give you permission to rethink that.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Not every platform is for every business. And that’s okay.
• Consistency > frequency when it comes to content and posting.
• Your audience should always be front and center—go where they are, not where everyone else is.
• Ask your clients directly where they hang out online before diving into a new platform.
• Don’t ignore your gut. If something feels off or draining, it probably is.

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

• Business owners feeling overwhelmed by social media expectations
• Marketers struggling to see ROI from Instagram or other platforms
• Anyone looking for permission to not be everywhere online

👥 Connect with Alison Ver Halen:

• 💼 LinkedIn

• 🌐 avwritingservices.com

• 📺 YouTube: Alison Ver Halen Content Marketer

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode of Unfudge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell welcomes Dr. Kaitlyn Rios, physical therapist, nonprofit founder, and all-around powerhouse, for a refreshingly candid chat about launching virtual events… and what happens when nobody shows up.

Kaitlyn shares her journey of building her nonprofit, Faced with Grace, and the hard marketing lessons she’s learning along the way. From zero-attendance events to refining her messaging and trusting the process, this episode dives into:

• Why marketing must start before your offer is even ready
• The mindset shift around “overpromoting” and how to ditch the fear
• Real-world DM strategies that build genuine connections
• How vulnerability became a powerful tool for Kaitlyn’s brand
• Streamlining, simplifying, and learning to pivot when things don’t go as planned

Whether you’re building something new or recovering from a marketing misstep, this episode will inspire you to keep showing up.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi sits down with Brad Mendel, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Vitalytics, to discuss marketing from the ground up. From bootstrapping strategies to outsourcing insights, Brad shares his journey of trial, error, and ultimate marketing clarity. If you’re a business owner or marketing leader who’s ever felt overwhelmed by all the moving parts, this episode is your permission slip to simplify, systematize, and scale smart.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• How Brad went from trying to do it all himself to realizing the power of bringing in marketing experts
• The importance of content repurposing and consistent messaging across platforms
• Why software can’t replace strategy, and how Brad learned this the hard way
• Lessons from launching Vitalytics and attracting clients without big-budget campaigns
• Navigating the decision to outsource marketing and what to look for in a marketing partner

🧠 Key Insights:

• “You can’t see the label from inside the jar.” — Brad on the value of outside marketing perspective
• Done-for-you marketing only works when you’ve already clarified your brand and goals
• DIY marketing has limits—especially when you’re the bottleneck

💥 Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluate your current marketing tools… are they empowering you or creating more work?
• Document your brand messaging to ensure consistency across channels
• Know when to shift from generalists to specialists as your business grows
• Don’t wait for perfection before launching… optimize as you go

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com