Wellness Marketing 101

Episode 34: Back to the Basics: Building Intentional Brands with Creative Director Natalie Contrera

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Natalie Contrera, Creative Director and co-founder of Mango Marketing Co., to talk about the power of intention, storytelling, and community in branding.
 
Natalie shares her journey from commercial makeup artist to leading a creative team that helps women-owned businesses grow authentically.
We dive into:
Why going back to the basics is the key to strong brand storytelling
How to uncover your true brand story (even if you think you already know it)
Balancing creativity and deadlines without sacrificing quality
Why SEO is still worth your time (and how to adapt to AI changes)
Common pitfalls to avoid when working with a creative team
The role of brand communities like Mango Members and Mango Mixers in creating impact
 
If you’ve been struggling to stand out, chasing trends, or unsure how to connect your brand’s mission to your marketing, this conversation will inspire you to simplify and get back to your “why.”
 
Connect with Natalie:
 
Mango Marketing Co. website: https://www.mangomarketingco.com/
Instagram/TikTok: @mangomarketingco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mango-marketing-co/posts/?feedView=all
 
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a quick review—it helps more small businesses find us!

Episode 33: Knowing Your Ideal Customer with Alison Wehr: From Demographics to Deep Insights

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Alison Wehr, an analytics specialist with experience at QVC and Aramark, to talk about one of the most important parts of building a successful business: knowing your ideal customer.
Alison shares how companies like QVC built loyalty by focusing on women over 50, why your customer persona should go beyond basic demographics, and how even small businesses can use simple data and conversations to understand their audience better.
 
You’ll also learn:
 
Why revisiting your customer persona regularly is crucial
The difference between demographics and psychographics
Practical ways small businesses can gather customer insights without a big budget
How to combine data with real conversations for deeper understanding
An inspiring example of QVC’s “Age of Possibility” campaign
 
Whether you’re just starting your wellness business or looking to refine your marketing strategy, this episode will give you actionable steps to clarify who your ideal customer really is and how to connect with them authentically.
 
Connect with Alison:
 
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wehr/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 32: Strategic Business Communication and AI for Business with Terence Milstead

In this episode, I sit down with Terence Milstead, Head of User Experience Research @ CODE PA and Lecturer at the Wharton School. Terence is an expert in strategic communication and user experience. Together, we explore how entrepreneurs can improve their communication strategy, use AI responsibly, and build authentic professional connections.
 
Terence shares insights from his work improving government websites in Pennsylvania and training teams to use generative AI to enhance their creative voice. I reflect on my own experiences in teaching and business, highlighting the balance between using AI tools and maintaining strong critical thinking skills.
 
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or communication professional, this episode will help you rethink how you approach outreach, networking, and technology in your business communication.
 
Key Topics Discussed During the Podcast:
 
The importance of strategy in business communication
Effective techniques for cold calling and outreach
How to make networking requests that get responses
Balancing AI tools with critical thinking in education
Custom GPTs for communication and creativity
Best practices in prompt engineering and AI collaboration
 
Connect with Terence:
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terence-milstead-phd-61b4807a/
Email: terencemilstead@gmail.com
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 31: Behavioral Science for Entrepreneurs: Boost Website & App UX with Kathryn Ambroze

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I talk with Kathryn Ambroze, a behavioral scientist and VP, UX Research Lead - Trust and Security at JPMorgan Chase, about how understanding human behavior can improve customer experiences for your business.
Kathryn explains the difference between behavioral science and user research and shares practical tips for entrepreneurs to optimize websites, apps, and services without breaking the bank. Learn how to identify friction points, use analytics effectively, and “dogfood” your own products to spot pain points from a customer perspective.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 
How to use behavioral science to understand and influence customer decisions
Why some friction points are actually helpful for guiding users
Low-cost ways to conduct user research for your website or app
How analytics and qualitative research work together to improve UX
Tips for using your own experiences as a customer to improve your business
 
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
 
Podcasts:
User Research Strategist: https://open.spotify.com/show/53eOVirTLtGydqOvicHDyD
Behavioral Grooves: https://behavioralgrooves.com/
No Stupid Questions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-stupid-questions/id1510056899
 
Newsletters & Tools:
Habit Weekly: https://www.habitweekly.com/
Fun Fact:
Kathryn loves baking and even made her own wedding cake! She enjoys observing people’s reactions, combining her professional skills and personal passion.
Connect with Kathryn:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathrynambroze
Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review! It helps more small business owners discover the podcast.

Episode 30: Following Your Own Path, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Strategies, and Mindset: Insights from Michael Golkow

In this episode, I sit down with one of my students, Michael Golkow, to explore his journey as an entrepreneur and creator. Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons he’s learned from both successes and challenges, and the marketing strategies that have helped him grow.
 
We discuss:
 
Building a business with resilience and adaptability
Practical marketing and growth strategies that work
The role of mindset in achieving long-term success
Emerging industry trends and future opportunities
Actionable advice you can start using today
Why we should follow our own path and not stick to societal norms
 
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, or just curious about what it takes to succeed, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.
 
Connect with Michael:
https://linktr.ee/Mikeydelph?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=36191ba8-0f02-4de4-9789-e4ec713c9f2c
 
Artists mentioned during the episode:
Illia Ihatenko (Pokemon rugs artist): @ig.rugs
Jake Colito (glass artist) @jake_c_glass
Website: https://illadelphglass.com/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 29: Fighting Fake Reviews, SEO Myths & Future-Proof Marketing with Shane Barker

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Shane Barker, a digital marketing strategist and founder of TraceFuse, a platform dedicated to helping brands detect and remove fake and harmful Amazon reviews.
Shane brings over two decades of experience working with e-commerce businesses, influencers, and Fortune 500 companies, and shares practical insights every entrepreneur selling online needs to hear.
Together, we discuss how fake reviews damage visibility, revenue, and customer trust and what you can do to fight back. Shane also shares his perspective on the real future of SEO in the age of AI, how to approach cold outreach effectively, and why owning your audience (via your website and email list) is more crucial than ever.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How fake reviews hurt your business — from lost visibility and lower rankings to damaged credibility and declining sales.
How TraceFuse works and the process of identifying and removing reviews that violate Amazon’s policies.
The right way to do cold outreach without being spammy and while building real relationships.
SEO isn’t dead - why it’s evolving, how AI is changing the game, and what strategies still matter most.
Why you need to own your traffic and how building your website, email list, and content ecosystem protects your business long-term.
 
Connect with Shane:
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker/
Website: https://shanebarker.com/
Tracefuse: https://tracefuse.ai/
Email: Shane@shanebarker.com
Tracefuse Email: Shane@tracefuse.si

Episode 28: From Pharmacy to Functional Medicine: Grit, Growth, Prevention & the Benefits of Homeschooling with Adrian Accay

Adrian’s journey is all about grit, resilience, and the courage to change course. Growing up in an immigrant family in Philadelphia taught him the value of hard work and delayed gratification—skills that carried him through a career in the pharmaceutical industry. But after a personal health scare, he walked away from his pharmaceutical business and straight into functional medicine. His mission is to help people prevent illness instead of reacting to it. We also explore the immense benefits of homeschooling—from fostering curiosity and independence to creating a lifestyle  for you and your kids that supports both physical and mental health.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
 
How the immigrant mindset can build resilience in business and life
The power of delayed gratification as a growth strategy
What jiu-jitsu teaches about adaptability and persistence
The pivotal moment that inspired Adrian to move into integrative health
How holistic homeschooling can set kids up for healthier, happier lives
Why functional medicine is the future of healthcare
 
Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, health professional, or someone seeking a better lifestyle, this episode offers practical insights into living intentionally, staying healthy, and teaching the next generation to thrive.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Rener and Ryron Gracie (and Victoria Gracie, Ryron’s wife), who are two of the most well-known members of the Gracie family - the family that helped bring Brazilian jiujitsu to global prominence.
Rener and Ryron are the sons of Rorion Gracie (one of the founders of the UFC) and grandsons of Helio Gracie (one of the original creators of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which focuses on self-defense). Both Rener and Ryron are black belts and co-head instructors at the Gracie University headquarters in Torrance, California.
 
Learn more here:
https://www.gracieuniversity.com/
 
Connect with Adrian:
Website: https://www.apexfunctionalhealth.com/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 27: From Competitive Swimming to Entrepreneurship: Lessons in Mindset and Mentorship

In this solo episode, I share a personal story from my early college days that shaped the way I think about growth, mentorship, and resilience in business.
 
I wasn’t a competitive swimmer when I moved from Bulgaria to attend Saint Peter’s University, but somehow, I ended up on the Division 1 swim team. What followed was a four-year journey of learning, failing, overtraining, adjusting, and ultimately finding my stride.
 
The lessons I learned in the pool apply to entrepreneurship more than I ever expected. From self-sabotage to breakthroughs, this episode is a reminder that no one succeeds alone! The right coach, the right fit, and the right mindset can change everything!
 
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
 
Why doing more isn’t always the answer
How self-doubt can sabotage your performance
The importance of finding the right coach or mentor, not just any coach
Why personalized strategies outperform one-size-fits-all every time
How to move forward even if your past results weren’t great
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Your past doesn’t define your future but you have to let go off what went wrong before!
 
The right strategy, mindset, and support system can lead to your breakthrough, just like it did for me.
 
Connect with Me:
Instagram: @blackseams
Website: blackseams.com
Email: Boryana@blackseaams.com
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 26: From Communist Poland to Capturing Yoga’s Beauty — An Inspiring Conversation with Yoga Photographer Wanda Bogata Plucinska

When you look at a stunning yoga photo, you might think it’s all about the pose. But in this conversation with photographer Wanda, we learn it’s about so much more — the journey, the story, and the emotion behind the shot.
 
Wanda’s path started far from the yoga studio. Growing up in communist Poland, she and her family escaped to Austria and eventually immigrated to the United States with the sponsorship of the Catholic Church. Starting with no English, no connections, and no safety net, she rebuilt her life and eventually discovered two passions that would shape her career: yoga and photography.
In this episode, we talk about:
 
Wanda’s escape from communist Poland and how her family started over in America
Why yoga became her sanctuary for physical, mental, and emotional healing
How photographing her first yoga teacher set Wanda on a new career path
The unique challenges and rewards of yoga photography, and why it’s “tough love” in the best way
Why headshots are often harder than yoga poses (and how she gets authenticity in every frame)
The importance of being prepared for opportunities before they arrive
Behind-the-scenes of our own photo shoot — complete with kids, building blocks, and plenty of patience!
 
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to blend personal passion with creative business, or why a professional photo can be a turning point in your brand, this episode will inspire you.
 
Connect with Wanda
📸 Instagram: @wanda.photography🌐 Website: https://www.wandaphotography.com/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!
 

Episode 25: Designing for Everyone: Accessibility, Inclusion, and Why It’s Smart Business with Grace Ambroze

What if you’re unintentionally excluding potential customers, just because of your store layout or how your website is designed or your social media posts aren’t considering people with disabilities?
 
In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I’m joined by Grace Ambroze, a certified occupational therapist and accessibility specialist, who shares how accessibility goes far beyond ramps and elevators. Grace walks us through how small changes—from social media alt text to the way a store entrance is designed—can create a more inclusive world and a more profitable business.
 
We discuss:
 
The 3 types of disability: permanent, temporary, and situational
What “inclusive design” really means (and why it’s not just about regulatory compliance)
How businesses unintentionally push customers away with poor accessibility
Free, simple ways entrepreneurs can make their digital and physical spaces more welcoming as well as things to consider for communication touchpoints, whether this it is their social media, blog, podcast, etc.
The global differences in how we define disability
What situational disability is and why it affects all of us
Real-life examples from store design to website design and communication touchpoints
Grace’s message is clear: when you design for disability, everyone benefits.
Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceambroze/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!