Email marketing is a powerful tool… if you understand how to use it correctly. Karen Grill, email strategist and business coach, dives deep into the often overlooked world of email deliverability, authentication, and how to treat email as a valuable, revenue driving asset rather than just a task to check off.

In this episode, Kristi and Karen unpack the recent industry shifts affecting inbox placement, debunk myths about email marketing being “dead,” and share practical advice to help you protect your sender reputation and connect genuinely with your audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why email authentication and deliverability matter and how to check if you’re set up right
• What SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are and why they’re essential
• How to spot warning signs like declining open rates or spam complaints
• Why buying email lists or adding contacts without permission hurts your brand
• Tips to maintain a clean, engaged email list and avoid spam traps
• How to segment your audience and send targeted, relevant content
• Why quality trumps quantity in email marketing
• The importance of setting clear goals before building your email list

Connect with Karen Grill:

• Free Email Resource: emailwithkaren.com
• LinkedIn: Karen Grill

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

As we step into 2026, the marketing landscape is noisier and busier than ever.

To kick off the new year, Kristi shares four vital checkpoints to help you move beyond overwhelm and build marketing that’s strategic, authentic, and sustainable.

In this solo episode, Kristi uncovers the biggest marketing challenges she saw in 2025… including the pitfalls of generic content, lack of clear strategy, ignoring the power of email marketing, and trying to do too much at once. She shares pragmatic advice to help you create a focused plan that aligns with your unique business and audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why ditching generic content is crucial to show your authentic voice and stand out
• The importance of anchoring your marketing in strategy focused on your ideal client’s pain points
• Why email marketing is NOT dead, and how to use it successfully for nurturing your audience
• How to phase your marketing rollouts to avoid burnout and maximize results
• Tips for building momentum through manageable, intentional marketing habits
• Why strategic planning beats chasing every shiny new tactic or quick fix

If you want to unfudge your marketing and set yourself up for a strong year ahead, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap.

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, host Kristi sits down with Susan Harper, founder of Sharper Creative, to unravel the honest, behind-the-scenes story of a marketing pro navigating her own business growth. Susan shares the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of rebranding, tackling LinkedIn, and finding what really works (and what doesn’t) when you’re your own client.

What You’ll Learn:

Why even seasoned branding experts struggle with their own marketing—and how Susan overcame analysis paralysis.

The reality of “shiny object syndrome” and how to focus on what truly moves the needle.

Susan’s experiment with LinkedIn, direct mail, and a two-pronged approach to reaching nonprofit clients.

The power of repurposing content and building a sustainable, manageable marketing system.

Actionable advice for business owners: just start, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things (even if it means a few awkward posts along the way).

Key Takeaways:

• The LinkedIn rabbit hole: what happens when you try to do it all.
• How direct mail and email can work together for creative outreach.
• The importance of knowing your audience and choosing the right platform.
• Why repurposing content is a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs.

About the Guest:

Susan Harper is the creative force behind Sharper Creative, with 23 years of experience helping organizations brand boldly. When she’s not building brands, you’ll find her painting, gardening, or dreaming up her next creative project.

Connect with Susan:

Website: sharpernet.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/susan-harper

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

Marketing your business is a journey full of learning, missteps, and, most importantly, lessons learned. Barlyssa, the dynamic duo behind Homemade Events and the Margs and Mindset podcast, understands the power of authentic marketing and the importance of building real community connections.

In this episode, Kristi chats with Barlyssa about their early marketing struggles, their decision to take control with a strategic, customized approach, and how their framework helped them build trust and scale sustainably.

You’ll learn:

• Why outsourcing marketing means owning the process, not just handing it off
• How building a tailored marketing strategy empowers confident decision-making
• The value of consistency and clarity across multiple business ventures
• How to leverage your existing marketing framework for new opportunities
• The importance of trusting your marketing partner and believing in yourselves
• How to move marketing from a dreaded task to an empowering, aligned tool
• Lessons on sustainable growth through authentic and intentional marketing

If you want to unfudge your marketing by using proven strategies and fostering authentic connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights to get you started.

Connect with Barlyssa:

• Podcast: Margs and Mindset (available on Instagram and YouTube)
• Instagram: @homemadeeventsROC

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

Is your marketing struggling because you haven’t cracked the code on consistent, strategic messaging that truly resonates?

Scarlett Stanhope, “The Biz Hippie,” is a mindset and money coach who helps entrepreneurs conquer their finances and own their worth,empowering them to build businesses supported by work they love.

In this episode, Kristi and Scarlett dive into Scarlett’s journey as she navigated early business challenges, experienced a tough launch, and learned powerful lessons about patience, perseverance, and authentic marketing rooted in mindset transformation. Scarlett shares how she shifted from dabbling in tactics to committing fully to a focused niche and cultivating real connections with her audience.

You’ll learn:

Why vulnerability and authenticity matter in email and content marketing

How to build momentum through consistent, aligned messaging even when results lag

The difference between pivoting and quitting… and why persistence eventually leads to success

How integrating mindset and marketing creates powerful synergy and breakthrough results

Tips for turning real stories and client insights into compelling marketing content

How patience and building confidence in your offer transform marketing effectiveness

Simple strategies for nurturing your audience and fostering engagement

If you’re ready to unfudge your marketing with steady, soulful strategies that align with who you are and the impact you want to create, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to guide your next steps.

Connect with Scarlett Stanhope:

Podcast: Empowered and Abundant (available on all platforms)

Website: thebizhippie.com

Free Money Mindset Quiz: thebizhippie.com/quiz

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

Email marketing can be challenging, especially when vulnerability and authenticity feel like a leap. Joanne Homestead, CEO of Desk Plant Creatives and founder of Inbox to Impact, specializes in helping soulful entrepreneurs craft open-worthy emails that reflect their true voice and build genuine engagement.

In this episode, Kristi and Joanne explore the fear many business owners have around vulnerability in marketing, how to find the balance between sharing enough without oversharing, and the power of storytelling as a key marketing tool. Joanne shares practical tips on overcoming mindset blocks, creating consistent email content, and nurturing your audience authentically.

You’ll discover:

Why being vulnerable in your marketing is essential, but doesn’t mean sharing every detail

How to write emails that clearly communicate your personality, values, and current thoughts

Mindset shifts to eliminate “shoulds” and embrace what feels good to you

Creative ways to start small and build email consistency without burnout

Why cleaning out your own inbox helps you reconnect with your email community

The importance of nurturing before selling through well-crafted email sequences

How storytelling strengthens relationships and makes marketing enjoyable

If you want to unfudge your marketing by embracing authentic email storytelling with clarity and confidence, this episode is for you.

Connect with Joanne Homestead:

Website: deskplantcreatives.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannehomesteadcopywriter/

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

Marketing and branding with true strategic clarity can feel elusive, especially when you’re balancing multiple responsibilities.

Stephen Larmer, a seasoned brand strategist with over 30 years of experience, helps mission-driven founders build profit-driven, aligned brands that attract premium clients and make an impact. In this episode, Kristi and Stephen discuss navigating the complexities of branding, the pitfalls of relying solely on AI without authentic strategy, and the essential role of alignment and clarity to craft your unique marketing voice.

Stephen shares personal stories including lessons from a failed AI-powered campaign and practical insights on how to build your brand signal, not just noise.

You’ll discover:

• Why AI can’t replace authentic brand alignment and strategy
• How to feed your brand “good shrimp” for genuine, vibrant expression
• Aligning your soul and values with your marketing to accelerate success
• The dangers of chasing tactics before building foundational clarity
• Why clear language that resonates with your ideal client builds trust
• Stephen’s generous offer for a complimentary brand audit to jumpstart clarity

Connect with Stephen Larmer:

• Website: stephenlarmer.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

Building authentic connection and strategic marketing go hand in hand.

Kerry Dobson, a group program architect and strategic intuitive, helps facilitators and entrepreneurs design transformational group experiences by leveraging strengths and adult learning principles.

In this episode, Kristi and Kerry discuss Kerry’s journey navigating marketing challenges including passive market research approaches and the power of intentional, one-on-one conversations with your ideal audience. Kerry shares insights on how to set clear feedback guidelines, embrace vulnerability in marketing, and use client language to build meaningful messaging.

You’ll learn:

• Why market research needs to move beyond passive tactics to purposeful dialogue
• How to frame feedback requests to encourage constructive and additive comments
• The importance of speaking your client’s language to deepen connection
• Strategies to build momentum through ongoing engagement and authentic storytelling
• How to stay motivated through positive feedback during marketing challenges
• Set clear boundaries on non-negotiables to protect your brand integrity
• Entering feedback conversations prepared and with the right mindset

Connect with Kerry Dobson:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-dobson/

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

Marketing isn’t just tactics.

It’s mindset, clarity, and strategic storytelling that unlocks your true potential.

Suzanne Longstreet, mindset coach, NLP expert, and co-author of The Millionaire Codes, empowers female entrepreneurs to clear limiting beliefs, claim their worth, and build sacred abundance through authentic marketing and personal growth.

In this episode, Kristi and Suzanne share a deeply personal story of resilience, trust, and clarity developed amidst life’s toughest challenges. Suzanne explores the power of clear expectations, authentic messaging, and knowing what success looks like on your own terms.

You’ll learn:

• How mindset shifts impact your marketing authenticity and results
• Why clarity and alignment with your values matter in choosing marketing strategies
• The importance of setting measurable goals as evidence of marketing success
• How to balance ambition with realistic expectations to avoid burnout
• Ways to reclaim your voice and integrate your personal story into your brand
• The value of coaching, clarity sessions, and continuous growth in marketing and business

If you want to unfudge your marketing by combining mindset with strategy to create authentic impact, this episode is a must.

Connect with Suzanne Longstreet:

• Book: The Millionaire Codes (available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo)
• Free clarity session: https://www.successandclarity.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