Easy Style with Sami

Easy Style with Sami explores how people have created their own personal style around their family, travel, food, entrepreneurship and more. Anything goes as guests share their unique stories to inspire you to find your own unique personal style. Look for new episodes every Thursday!

42: Raising Kids with Entrepreneurial Qualities with Margot Bisnow 05/02/2025

42: Raising Kids with Entrepreneurial Qualities with Margot Bisnow Are you raising the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers? In this eye-opening episode, I chat with Margot Bisnow, author of “Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams,” about nurturing entrepreneurial skills in children from a young age. Margot shares fascinating insights from her interviews with 100 successful entrepreneurs and their families, revealing common threads in their upbringing that fostered creativity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. We explore: Embracing Passion and Failure - Why supporting your child’s interests outside of academics is crucial - How to reframe failure as a learning opportunity - The importance of allowing kids to explore different passions Shifting Parental Mindsets - Why the traditional path to success may no longer apply - How to recognize and nurture entrepreneurial traits in your children - The value of letting go of preconceived notions about “success” Fostering Creativity and Independence - Examples of how successful entrepreneurs were supported in their youth - Why forcing children into specific career paths can backfire - How to create an environment that encourages innovation This conversation is packed with practical advice for parents looking to raise confident, creative children who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Whether your child dreams of starting a business or simply wants to make their mark on the world, Margot’s insights will help you support their journey. Are you ready to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in your family? Listen now and discover how to set your children up for success – whatever path they choose. Want to skip ahead? 04:01 Understanding Entrepreneurial Traits and Parenting Approaches 13:49 Embracing Children’s Passions and Evolving Career Landscapes 24:21 Nurturing Children’s Interests and Supporting Their Journey Margot Bisnow raisinganentrepreneur.com https://www.facebook.com/raisinganentrepreneur1/?fref=ts https://www.instagram.com/margotbisnow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-machol-bisnow-a29550b5/ Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/36412425

41: Parenting Shifts through Tragedy with Whitney Archibald 04/21/2025

41: Parenting Shifts through Tragedy with Whitney Archibald Parenting is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Whitney Archibald, a mother of five who shares her inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and the power of family bonds. Whitney’s journey began with the challenge of infertility, leading to IVF for her first child. Little did she know that her family would grow to include five children, ages 9 to 19. As we dive into her experiences, Whitney opens up about: Navigating the Chaos of Motherhood - The transition from envisioning a perfect motherhood to managing the reality of multiple children - Creating flexible systems to maintain sanity while raising a large family - Balancing structure and spontaneity in parenting A Life-Altering Moment Whitney candidly shares a harrowing experience that changed everything – a 30-foot fall during a rock climbing accident. She reveals: - The immediate aftermath and her surprising clarity in those crucial moments - How the accident reshaped her family dynamics and her children’s roles - The unexpected gifts of gratitude and perspective that emerged from trauma Rediscovering Purpose and Joy As Whitney continues to heal and adapt, she discusses: - Finding new hobbies and passions that align with her current abilities - The importance of savoring small moments with her children - How her accident has influenced her approach to parenting and life This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of family bonds. Whether you’re a parent navigating your own challenges or simply seeking inspiration, Whitney’s story will touch your heart and perhaps shift your perspective on what truly matters in life. Join us for this moving discussion about family, resilience, and finding joy in life’s unexpected journeys. Want to skip ahead? 00:02:25 Expectations vs. Reality of Motherhood 00:06:59 Flexibility in Parenting Approach 00:12:46 Life-Changing Accident and Recovery 00:21:14 Family Dynamics and Gratitude Post-Accident 00:27:00 New Hobbies and Future Outlook Whitney Archibald http://amilylabpodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/familylabpodcast/ Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/36254115

40: Building an Easy Style with Sami Community 04/03/2025

40: Building an Easy Style with Sami Community Ever feel like you’re in the messy middle of life, trying to figure it all out? You’re not alone. In this candid episode, I open up about my own journey of self-discovery and the evolution of the Easy Style with Sami podcast. As I sit in my mom’s house in Phoenix, fresh from a reflexology and energy healing session, I share my thoughts on: The power of letting go and how it affects our physical and emotional well-being My vision for the future of Easy Style with Sami The challenges of being in the “figuring it out” phase Why I typically shy away from solo episodes I also reflect on the incredible guests we’ve had on the show and how their stories have inspired me. But I realize there’s a gap – we haven’t heard much from those still in the midst of their journey, still trying to find their way. A Call for Connection I’m reaching out to you, my listeners, to help shape the future of this podcast. I want to know: What do you love most about the show? What would you like to change? Who would you like to hear from in future episodes? Your input is crucial as I refine the focus of Easy Style with Sammy to better serve our community. Finding My Tribe As I navigate this transition, I’m realizing that my ideal audience might just be women like me – in their late 30s to early 50s, approaching or experiencing empty nest syndrome, and asking themselves, “Who am I now?” I’m ready to get more personal, more real, and create a space where we can discuss: The joys and challenges of midlife Navigating physical changes like perimenopause Rediscovering hobbies and passions Supporting each other through life’s transitions Join Me on This Journey If you’re looking for a community of women supporting each other through the ups and downs of midlife, you’re in the right place. I invite you to: Share this episode with friends who might resonate with our message Comment on what resonated with you in this episode Suggest experts or everyday heroes you’d like to hear from Let me know how you’d like to engage with our community (Facebook group, etc.) Together, let’s create a space where we can be real, support each other, and navigate this beautiful, messy journey called life. Subscribe now to join our growing community of amazing women! Want to skip ahead? 00:28 Reflecting on Podcast Evolution and Personal Growth: A Solo Episode 05:30 Defining the Target Audience: Women in Midlife Transitions 10:00 Building a Supportive Community: Connecting Through Shared Experiences /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/36038655

39: Starting a NonProfit with Nancy Economou 03/20/2025

39: Starting a NonProfit with Nancy Economou Have you ever wondered how a single act of compassion can spark a global movement? In this episode of Easy Style with Sami, we dive into the inspiring journey of Nancy Economou, founder of Watts of Love, a nonprofit organization bringing light and hope to communities living in darkness. Nancy shares her remarkable story of how a chance encounter with a burned child in the Philippines ignited her passion to make a difference. From high-end jewelry sales to serving the world’s most vulnerable, Nancy’s path is a testament to the power of purpose and perseverance. In this episode we discuss - How a mother’s compassion led to a global nonprofit initiative - The unexpected impact of providing solar lights to communities in need - Overcoming challenges and setbacks when starting a nonprofit - The importance of listening and adapting to truly serve communities - How simple solutions can create lasting change and end generational poverty Nancy’s approach to philanthropy is refreshingly simple yet profoundly impactful. By providing solar lights and financial education, Watts of Love is empowering families to break the cycle of poverty one home at a time. Discover How Watts of Love: - Transforms lives through sustainable lighting solutions - Educates communities on savings and entrepreneurship - Creates opportunities for choice and financial independence - Scales their impact to reach more communities in need Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker or simply curious about innovative approaches to global challenges, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of compassion, creativity, and perseverance in making a difference. Join us for an illuminating conversation that will inspire you to find your own way to light up the world. Want to skip ahead? 7:35 The Power of Passion and Purpose in Entrepreneurship 13:33 The Impact of Simple Solutions: Watts of Love’s Approach 23:28 Listening and Adapting: Keys to Effective Social Impact 27:09 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated Nancy Economou https://www.wattsoflove.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-economou-40477b63/ https://www.instagram.com/wattsoflove/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/watts-of-love/ Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/35611655

38: Finding Your Passion and Starting a Business with Your Partner with Meredith & Craig Bennett 03/06/2025

38: Finding Your Passion and Starting a Business with Your Partner with Meredith & Craig Bennett Have you ever dreamed of leaving your corporate job to start a business with your spouse? It sounds exciting, but the reality can be far more challenging than you might expect. In this episode, I sit down with Meredith and Craig Bennett, a couple who took the leap from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. Their journey wasn’t a smooth ride. They share how their initial business venture left them feeling unfulfilled and put a strain on their relationship. But through perseverance and self-discovery, they found their true calling as relationship coaches. In this episode we discuss - The importance of understanding your “why” before starting a business - How to navigate working with your spouse without damaging your relationship - Why personal growth is crucial for entrepreneurial success - The power of community and saying “yes” to new opportunities Practical Tips for Couples in Business - Set clear boundaries between work and personal time - Leverage each other’s strengths in your business roles - Make time for regular check-ins and debriefs - Prioritize your relationship above all else Meredith and Craig’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of aligning your business with your values. They remind us that success often comes from unexpected places when we’re open to growth and willing to take risks. Whether you’re considering starting a business with your partner or simply looking to improve your relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how you can create a thriving business and a strong partnership simultaneously. Want to skip ahead? 1:00 The journey from corporate job to starting a business together, the good, the bad, and the uncertain. 6:00 How personal learning and growth can provide surprising opportunities. 15:00 Balancing work and personal life when you work with your partner. Meredith & Craig Bennett www.roadoflifecoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig https://www.facebook.com/meredithandcraig https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithandcraig/ https://www.youtube.com/@RoadOfLifeCoaching Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/35514900

37: Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable with Jennifer Shell 02/20/2025

36: Helping Adoptive Families Heal from Trauma through Books with Anna Maria DiDio 02/06/2025

36: Helping Adoptive Families Heal from Trauma through Books with Anna Maria DiDio Welcome to another inspiring episode of Easy Style with Sami! Today, we’re joined by Anna Maria DiDio, an adoptive mom who turned her personal experiences into a meaningful children’s book series. Anna Maria’s story is a testament to the power of turning life’s challenges into creative outlets that can help others. In this episode we discuss - How Anna Maria’s adoption journey led her to write children’s books about adoption, trauma, and identity - The importance of representation and open conversations around adoption - Anna Maria’s transition from the corporate world to self-publishing and the resources she discovered - Strategies for celebrating small wins and staying motivated as a self-published author - Anna Maria’s plans to continue sharing her message through speaking engagements and new book projects Want to skip ahead? 02:30 Adoption often comes with trauma, even in cases where the child is adopted as an infant. 06:41 Representation in children’s books can be a powerful tool for prompting important conversations within families. 15:06 Self-publishing provides flexibility, but also requires learning new skills and finding the right resources. 22:45 Celebrating small victories, like awards and recognition, can help self-published authors stay motivated. 23:42 Anna Maria plans to continue writing, speaking about adoption trauma, and reaching more people with her message. Resources Self Publishing School: https://selfpublishing.com/ Anna Maria DiDio amdidio.com https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaDiDioMSW/ https://www.facebook.com/AMDiDio.author https://www.instagram.com/annamariadidiomsw https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamariadidio/ https://www.amazon.com/author/annadidio Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/35151020

35: Stop Overdoing it with Karissa Dean 01/30/2025

34: How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Successful Dream Business with Kelly Schuknecht 01/16/2025

34: How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Successful Dream Business with Kelly Schuknecht In this episode of Easy Style with Sami, we welcome thought leadership marketing specialist Kelly Schuknecht. Kelly shares her journey from working in corporate America to starting her own business just under two months ago. Despite being new to entrepreneurship, she has quickly grown her business, focusing on helping thought leaders and professionals build their platforms. Kelly discusses her 10-year journey that involved working in publishing, freelancing, and marketing, and how her experiences eventually led her to entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, building genuine connections, and finding the right community for support. Kelly also talks about her plans to grow her business further by hiring a team and continuing to provide value to her clients. In this episode we discuss - How Kelly navigated the transition from a corporate job to starting her own business - The importance of building a supportive community, both online and offline - Strategies for overcoming risk aversion and building confidence as an entrepreneur - Tips for managing the reactions of friends and family when pursuing your passion - Kelly’s advice for others considering taking the entrepreneurial plunge Want to skip ahead? 00:57 Kelly’s Background and Career Shift 04:24 Building a Thought Leadership Platform 06:40 Navigating Challenges and Finding Support 20:53 Future Goals and Business Growth 24:24 Trusting Yourself and Handling Opinions 28:02 Navigating Isolation and Finding Community 30:00 The Importance of Side Hustles 32:24 Starting and Growing a Business 36:17 Building Genuine Connections Online 41:53 Overcoming Opinions and Staying True to Your Vision Kelly Schuknecht https://kellyschuknecht.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebestseller https://www.instagram.com/authorcoachingwithkelly https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyschuknecht https://www.facebook.com/author-coaching-with-kelly Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/34868495

33: Going from Corporate to Startup with Marianna Kinee 12/12/2024

32: Making a Commitment with Sami Bedell-Mulhern 11/14/2024

31: The Evolution of a Dream Career with London Brazil 10/31/2024

31: The Evolution of a Dream Career with London Brazil In this episode of Easy Style with Sami, host Sami Bedell-Mulhern sits down with London Brazil, creator of the food blog Evolving Table. They discuss London’s journey from dental school to building a successful food blog, her decision to rebrand, and the emotional challenges that came with leaving a stable career. London shares her insights on finding one’s unique style, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of pursuing what truly makes you happy. Sami and London also touch on topics such as developing a distinct brand, catering to various diets, and the collaborative nature of the food blogging community. In this episode we discuss - How London transitioned from dentistry to food blogging - The emotional challenges of leaving a stable career path - The importance of finding support and validation from loved ones - London’s approach to developing a unique food blogging style - The behind-the-scenes of creating a successful cookbook Want to skip ahead? [07:33] Embracing change and following your passions, even if they differ from your original plans, can lead to unexpected fulfillment. [10:43] The food blogging community can be a valuable resource for learning and support, especially when navigating new technical skills. [13:07] Focusing on solving a specific problem for your audience can help you stand out in a crowded market. [18:48] Setting aggressive timelines and deadlines can be a powerful motivator when pursuing a big goal, like publishing a cookbook. [21:15] Protecting your creative process by managing comparison and imposter syndrome is crucial for long-term success. Resources Evolving Table Food Blog: – Use code EASYSTYLE10 for 10% off London Brazil Food Blogger www.instagram.com/evolvingtable/ www.facebook.com/evolvingtable/ www.pinterest.com/evolvingtable/ https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvingtable https://www.youtube.com/@evolvingtable Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/33672292

30: Opening Yourself up to Opportunities with Ruth Ann Burke 10/17/2024

30: Opening Yourself up to Opportunities with Ruth Ann Burke In this conversation, Sami reconnects with her longtime friend and colleague, Ruth Ann Burke. Ruth Ann has been a fixture in the Okoboji Summer Theater community for over two decades, and her story is a testament to the power of embracing change and following unexpected paths. While her path wasn’t exactly what she expected initially, each opportunity brought new challenges as well as great rewards. Her success is a testament to trusting her gut, being open, and having the right partner by her side. Now, it’s time to see what the future holds as the next phase in her life and career begin! In this episode we discuss - How Ruth Ann’s background in dance led her to a career in theater marketing and philanthropy - The unique culture and community within the theater world, and how it impacted Ruth Ann’s family - The challenges and joys of balancing career and family as a freelancer and nonprofit professional - Ruth Ann’s insights on navigating life’s changes and embracing new opportunities - The exciting plans for the future of the Okoboji Summer Theater Want to skip ahead? [07:08] Balancing career and family requires intentionality, a support system, and a willingness to make sacrifices. [10:02] The theater community fosters a unique culture of openness, self-expression, and support. [25:57] Being open to unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences. [30:12] Embracing change, even when it’s uncomfortable, is essential for growth and new possibilities. [31:30] Leaving a legacy and giving back to the community are important considerations as we navigate the next chapters of our lives. Resources Okoboji Summer Theater: https://www.stephens.edu/academics/conservatory-for-the-performing-arts/ost/ Ruth Ann Burke Executive Director, Okoboji Summer Theatre Ruth Ann currently works as the Conservatory’s director of engagement and just completed her 25th season at the Okoboji Summer Theatre. Prior to returning to campus in 2007, she worked in marketing and public relations in Seattle. Burke is a proud alumna of Stephens College earning both her BFA degree in Dance and a Master’s in Business Administration and also holds a Master’s in Communications from Drake University. Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/33489227

29: Overcoming Adversity to Build Your Own Life with Cindy Starke 10/03/2024

28: Advocating for Your Child and Their Education with Jen Anderson 09/19/2024

28: Advocating for Your Child and Their Education with Jen Anderson In this episode, Sami sits down with her longtime friend Jen Anderson to have an open and honest conversation about parenting children with unique needs. As both moms to neurodivergent kids, Sami and Jen dive deep into the challenges and joys of advocating for your child, finding the right support systems, and empowering them to embrace their differences. Whether you’re navigating an IEP, 504 plan, or simply trying to understand your child’s experience, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt insights. In this episode we discuss Jen’s background as a homeschooling, micro-baking, yoga-teaching mom The importance of letting your child lead the way in their own story How to advocate for your child’s needs within the school system The power of language and creating a safe space for emotional expression Strategies for balancing independence and family time for neurodivergent kids Want to skip ahead? [4:36] As a parent, your job isn’t to fix everything, it’s to listen, be there, and show up for them. [0:00] Jen emphasizes the importance of “letting your child lead” and “teaching them to advocate for themselves.” [16:41] Jen shares her approach to using empowering language around neurodivergence, rather than “labels” that can be limiting. [26:00] Jen discusses the challenge of balancing her daughter’s need for independence and family time, and how they navigate that with a detailed schedule. [33:44] Jen encourages parents to “educate themselves” and connect with the perspectives of neurodivergent adults to better understand their child’s experience. Resources Be sure to connect with Jen Anderson at if you have any questions or need support on your parenting journey. Grab more resources at Follow us on Facebook at Follow us on Instagram at /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/33012447

27: Building a Multi-Passionate Business with Jane Lockhart 09/05/2024

27: Building a Multi-Passionate Business with Jane Lockhart Jane Lockhart has been in my circle for years. This was the first time we actually got to chat about how she got started, and where she’s going. She shares how her life has guided her to things that she enjoys and and shown her the next thing in her path. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, you’ll hear her inspiring journey of finding fulfillment and authenticity in her work, and how she’s navigated the challenges of balancing multiple passions. In this episode we discuss Jane’s background and the diverse range of services she offers How Jane approaches time management and setting boundaries Tips for overcoming the struggle of overwork and perfectionism Strategies for adapting your productivity patterns to your unique needs Encouragement and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Want to skip ahead? [1:29] Jane’s personality and approach to business is to dive into new ventures and figure things out as she goes, rather than sticking to a monotonous routine. [4:20] Jane’s diverse business ventures, including health coaching, website design, and direct sales, all stem from a core value of authenticity and helping others improve their lives. [7:29] Utilize time blocking to manage various business activities, dedicating specific days to different tasks and grouping together things you dislike to get them done efficiently. [12:25] Jane struggled with overwork and perfectionism when she first started her business, but learned to set boundaries and balance her work and personal time through incremental changes. [26:41] Take things slowly, embrace a trial-and-error mindset, maintain a foundational skill set, and cultivate curiosity and flexibility. Jane Lockhart Learn more: https://jluxdesigns.com/ Instagram: @jluxdesignsllc  Facebook: @jluxdesigns  LinkedIn: @jlux-designs-llc  Grab more resources at https://easystylewithsami.com Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ssmulhern Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ssmulhern /episode/index/show/7e43fc30-c2ce-4d50-85e6-5fed9a96ee61/id/32881897