WHR 3.233: From Burnout to Passive Income with the Amazon Influencer Program
Release Date: 07/21/2025
Work at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Carol Tice, founder of Community Growth Academy. Carol shares how she built a paid online community for freelance writers that grew to 1,500 members and generated over $6 million in revenue before selling it for life-changing money. They talk openly about the realities of scaling a community, hard lessons around team management, selling a digital business, and why Carol believes paid communities offer one of the most sustainable business models for coaches and experts today. Who is Carol Tice?...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift360, about building a long-term, home-based business that actually supports real life. With more than 20 years of working from home, Wes shares how his definition of success has evolved, why trust beats tactics in marketing, and how AI is changing the way businesses get found online. The conversation covers lessons learned the hard way, building and managing remote teams, niching into the right clients, and adapting SEO for a world where people search everywhere, not just...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Lane Kawaoka, CEO of The Wealth Elevator, to unpack what wealthy investors do differently and why most traditional financial advice falls short. Lane shares his journey from engineering to full-time investing, explains how cash-flow real estate changed his trajectory, and breaks down the mindset shifts required as your net worth grows. This conversation digs into accredited investing, alternative assets, and why unlearning common money rules is often the key to long-term financial freedom. Who is...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Neil Rogers, VP of Sales at Rogers Marketing and co-founder of Positive Activity. Neil shares how decades of working from home, a career rooted in hospitality and sales, and personal challenges shaped his practical approach to business and life. The conversation explores mindset, resilience, mentorship, and why consistent small actions matter more than big theories. Neil also introduces Positive Activity, a framework designed to help people build happiness, productivity, and stronger relationships...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with G. Scott Graham, a longtime work-from-home entrepreneur, coach, and author who’s been running his own businesses since 2006. Scott shares hard-earned lessons about job security, cash flow stress, discipline, and why entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of cultural and technological shifts instead of reacting to them. The conversation dives deep into AI disruption, building personal resilience, creating your own mastermind group, and positioning yourself early for emerging opportunities like...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson rocks out with Scott Curry, Founder and CEO of Faith Roar. Scott shares how he built real financial freedom through business and investing, why most people never get past planning, and what it actually takes to push through doubt, rejection, and setbacks. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from perfect strategies. It comes from taking action, learning fast, and staying committed long enough to break through. Who is Scott Curry? Scott Curry is a world-renowned keynote...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim jams with Joel Keith, CEO of ASP, where he and his team install marketing systems for small and medium-sized businesses. Joel shares his journey from working full-time in broadcast production to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, pushing through risk, doubt, and the inevitable turbulence that comes with growing a business. He opens up about the realities of content creation, building a dependable team, navigating business partnerships, and keeping things human in a world increasingly driven by AI. Check out his work...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim sits down with Allen Halas, owner of Breaking and Entering and co-host of the Hustling Sideways podcast. Allen shares how he built one of Milwaukee’s most active platforms for independent artists, turning a passion for local music into a thriving media outlet and concert series. Allen talks about early successes like booking shows at The Rave and bringing in Jay-Z’s producer as a guest judge, along with candid lessons from events that didn’t go as planned. He and Tim dig into how to promote live shows, build...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, I jam with Laura Cross, Air Force veteran, travel agent, and founder of White Sands Self-Care. Laura shares how a life-altering tragedy sparked her journey into entrepreneurship and holistic healing. From military discipline to intuitive wellness, Laura has built a purpose-driven business that helps others reclaim their health and their joy. We dig into mindset, energy, and how slowing down can actually move you forward. Who is Laura Cross? Laura Cross is the owner and founder of White Sands Self-Care LLC and White Sands...
info_outlineWork at Home RockStar Podcast
🎙️ How Regenerative Medicine is Rocking the Future — Dr. Tommy Rhee In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson jams with Dr. Tommy Rhee, President of and author of The Future of Regenerative Medicine. From military-grade discipline to cutting-edge stem cell therapy, Dr. Rhee brings the rhythm of resilience to every beat of his entrepreneurial journey. He shares how micro victories and daily rituals help him push through fear, build momentum, and keep the mission alive — even when others try to take him down. Whether you're navigating solo entrepreneurship or...
info_outlineEpisode Summary:
In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Kathleen Kobel, an Amazon influencer, seller, and mentor helping content creators and entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable income streams—without the burnout. Kathleen shares her inspiring leap from corporate life and agency work into Amazon’s influencer program, revealing how a chance discovery launched her into a life of flexibility, passive income, and purpose. Tune in to hear her best advice for getting started, finding your people, and rocking out with your side hustle.
Who is Kathleen Kobel?
Kathleen Kobel is an Amazon influencer and seller who helps entrepreneurs, content creators, and fellow Amazon influencers build income streams that are sustainable and burnout-free. With over 15 years of experience in the Amazon ecosystem, she has helped thousands of brands launch their products, and now she teaches others how to turn product reviews and shoppable videos into real income through her program, Influence & Earn, and her book, The Unconventional Business Model. Whether you're a busy parent or a full-time hustler, Kathleen shows how to create a business that fits your lifestyle.
Connect with Kathleen Kobel:
Website: https://www.kathleenkobel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenkobel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenkobelbiz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenkobel
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathleenkobel
Host Contact Details:
Website: https://workathomerockstar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar
Timestamps:
00:28 Kathleen's Journey to Becoming an Amazon Influencer
02:08 Overcoming Struggles & Finding Community
06:27 Side Hustle to Full-Time Success
09:02 Practice Makes Progress: Getting Comfortable on Camera
16:13 Building Her Virtual Team & Working With Family
19:24 Kids and Product Review Honesty
20:11 Masterminds, Coaches & Learning from the Best
22:27 The Need for Social Connection in Remote Work
25:53 Embracing Failure and Taking Big Leaps
27:43 What’s New in Kathleen’s Business
29:19 Traits That Help You Succeed in Content Creation
33:26 Free Resources and Getting Started
36:05 Kathleen’s Favorite Rock Star & Final Thoughts