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061: I'm Back

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Release Date: 10/31/2025

062: Why Testing Your Vision Is A Trap show art 062: Why Testing Your Vision Is A Trap

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

In this episode, I dive deep into a question that many entrepreneurs grapple with: Is the advice to test your niche or build a minimum viable product really serving your journey? I challenge the conventional wisdom that encourages constant testing rather than trusting your vision. While hustle culture pushes us toward validating our ideas through market trials, I argue that this approach can lead to burnout and diminished self-esteem, especially for those of us who have experienced the entrepreneurial grind with its accompanying pressures and fears. I reflect on the roots of this testing...

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061: I'm Back show art 061: I'm Back

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

  In this episode, I reconnect with listeners after a significant seven-year hiatus since Episode 60, sharing my journey from health crisis to newfound clarity and purpose. I openly discuss the perilous moment when I was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and having to take insulin. It served as a wake-up call, revealing that I had ignored my body’s warning signs and normalized my struggles. I emphasize the importance of not only listening to our bodies but also recognizing that our businesses communicate their own needs. I aim to speak...

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060: It's Time! show art 060: It's Time!

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Are you doing the same things and expecting different results? Are you hanging out with negative people and expecting positive results? What do we call this? I think you know. Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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059: Are You a Wimp? show art 059: Are You a Wimp?

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Are you a wimp? or Are you a winner? Are you behaving like a wimp? or Are you doing what winners do? Do you want to know the difference? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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058: The Power of Mantra show art 058: The Power of Mantra

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Do you have a mantra? Is it empowering you? Do you want to learn its power? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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057: The Danger of Should show art 057: The Danger of Should

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Do you know that there is power in the word should? How do you you feel when you use it? What do you do next? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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056: You Are More Than You Think You Are show art 056: You Are More Than You Think You Are

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Who do you think you are when you look into the mirror? Who are you? What do you see? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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055: They show art 055: They

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Have you ever asked yourself, who are they? What about who are them? Do they or them have your best interest? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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054: Ache show art 054: Ache

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you ached inside? Did you ever go after something with all you had? Did you get it? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at

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053: Take It Back show art 053: Take It Back

It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

Where are you on your entrepreneurial journey? Where are you on this journey called life? Is your life spinning out of control? Get your pen and paper ready and listen up to get your prescription. If what you hear inspires you or can inspire someone else, then I would love for you to leave a Rating & Review, of course Subscribe. Thank you so very much! Get the transcript and access to more resources at  

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MarlenaKelley.com   

In this episode, I reconnect with listeners after a significant seven-year hiatus since Episode 60, sharing my journey from health crisis to newfound clarity and purpose. I openly discuss the perilous moment when I was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and having to take insulin. It served as a wake-up call, revealing that I had ignored my body’s warning signs and normalized my struggles. I emphasize the importance of not only listening to our bodies but also recognizing that our businesses communicate their own needs.

I aim to speak directly to my fellow Gen X entrepreneurs—those of you who might be starting a business later in life or pivoting after facing personal or professional challenges. Many of you may feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to hustle, grind, and adhere to trends that might not align with your vision. I'm here to reassure you that it’s okay to step back and reassess. Yourvision and your past experiences can actually be your greatest advantages

I reveal that I’ve spent the last five years rebuilding not just my health, but also my vision and voice. I stress that entrepreneurship shouldn’t drain you; instead, it should energize you and align with your life. The essence of my message is centered on three key pillars: your vision, your voice, and using AI strategically. These elements can guide you effectively without having to chase every new trend or tactic in the fast-paced business world.

Moreover, I share the exciting news of restarting this podcast with a commitment to deliver consistent and meaningful content. I plan to eventually expand my reach across various platforms where my audience is present—LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and more—so we can connect no matter where you are.

I also highlight my new book, "Dear Entrepreneur," which provides 52 letters of love and encouragement designed to uplift you on those tough days. This resource aims to foster peace of mind as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey, reminding you that it's crucial to give yourself permission to start over, pivot when necessary, and build a business that thrives alongside your personal life.

In this comeback episode, I invite all of you who may be recovering from health crises, setbacks, or periods of silence to join me on this journey. Together, we can redefine what success looks like, focusing on authenticity rather than competition. You are not broken; you simply need to make a decision to embrace your true self and recognize that you can thrive by being you.

So, if you're feeling stuck or ready to take the next step, visit my website to access valuable resources, including the Heart and Mind Business Playbook, and let me know where you're experiencing challenges. Remember, entrepreneurship is not a journey.