Side Hustle Pro

This week in the guest chair is Leah Collins, financial coach, speaker, and host of Maxxed Out, a powerful series helping people confront their finances and the relationships tied to them. But Leah’s journey didn’t start on TV, it started with a moment of truth: making the most money she ever had… and realizing she had nothing to show for it.In this episode, I sit down with Leah to unpack how she transformed her own financial struggles into a thriving business, paid off $40,000 in debt, and ultimately landed her own show. We talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of building a personal brand, why communication is the foundation of financial success, and how she leveraged every opportunity to create multiple income streams.Leah also opens up about one of the most pivotal moments in her life: calling off her wedding due to financial incompatibility. That experience reshaped her entire mission and led her to focus on money and relationships, helping others navigate the conversations so many of us avoid. This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose and building a life that aligns with your values.Main TakeawaysTurning personal financial struggles into a business can create powerful impact and incomeFinancial compatibility and communication are critical in relationshipsYour personal brand is always working for you, even when you don’t realize itMultiple income streams, including speaking, media, and passive products, create flexibility and freedomHighlights Include00:00 – Why money affects every part of your life02:10 – 20 years in corporate finance but struggling personally04:05 – Wake-up call: high income, no results04:40 – $100 bootcamp → $40K debt paid off05:20 – Calling off her wedding over money misalignment07:06 – Prenups, communication, and financial expectations09:05 – Turning personal pain into a business niche10:53 – Launching her brand → getting discovered for TV12:11 – Building a strategic personal brand that attracts opportunities14:17 – TV journey: rejection, delay, and eventual greenlight16:46 – Scaling after motherhood and shifting business model20:43 – Behind the scenes of Maxed Out and building trust23:03 – Leveraging TV into multiple income streams24:55 – Values-based finances and smarter decision-making26:51 – Balancing a 9–5 while growing a business29:37 – Storytelling as a tool for impact and connection31:27 – Pitching yourself and understanding media monetization34:11 – “You’re always being interviewed” mindset38:13 – Why quality beats quantity in content41:02 – Burnout, boundaries, and protecting your time41:42 – Final advice: build your business without quitting your jobLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeMoney Moves Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/OWN Network: https://www.oprah.com/ownHBO Max: https://www.max.com/Discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15)Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaInstagram:@theleahmariecollins  Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro

I sat down with Monica Cornitcher, CEO and co-founder of Medase Cocktails, a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand redefining what it means to drink without alcohol. What started as a simple desire for a real cocktail experience without the after-effects turned into a six-figure investment and a fast-growing brand that’s now catching the attention of major retailers.Monica shares how she and her co-founder Inga Dyer went from Zoom conversations during the pandemic to building a fully developed beverage company. Instead of rushing the process, they leaned into research, worked with a food scientist, and built a five-year strategy before launching. Their focus was clear: create authentic, full-flavor cocktails that people actually recognize and crave.In this episode, Monica opens up about the real cost of building a physical product, navigating grief after losing her co-founder, and the strategy behind growing through direct-to-consumer before entering retail. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, intentional growth, and building a brand rooted in purpose and community.Main TakeawaysWhy taking time to validate your idea and build a strategy can save you costly mistakesHow to approach launching a physical product without cutting corners on qualityThe importance of direct-to-consumer growth before entering retailHow resilience, grief, and purpose shaped the future of Medase CocktailsHighlights Include00:00 – Introduction to Medase Cocktails03:00 – Monica’s first business and corporate background06:00 – The idea sparked during COVID and building with intention08:00 – Why they worked with a food scientist instead of DIY10:00 – Creating a 5-year business strategy before launch13:00 – Identifying their target consumer and product positioning21:00 – Funding the business with $100K+ of personal investment26:00 – Attending Expo West and attracting investors29:00 – Navigating grief after losing her co-founder30:00 – Growth on Amazon and direct-to-consumer success33:00 – Why retail is expensive and how to prepare for it45:00 – Lessons from production mistakes and product quality control47:00 – Competing in a growing non-alcoholic beverage market50:00 – Lightning round insights and toolsLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15)Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaInstagram: @medasecocktailsTikTok: @medasecocktailsFacebook: Medase CocktailsSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustleproSideHustlePro

In this episode, I’m joined again by Monique Shields, and this conversation felt like therapy, coaching, and truth-telling all in one. We went deep into something I’ve personally been navigating: what it actually looks like to move out of survival mode as a high-achieving woman, especially when life has been life-ing.We talked about the invisible weight many of us carry, from parenting to business to unexpected life challenges, and how that impacts the way we show up, make decisions, and even spend money. One of the biggest shifts for me? Realizing I wasn’t telling myself the full story about what I had been carrying and surviving.Monique breaks down how our mindset around scarcity, energy, and outsourcing can keep us stuck, and what it really means to “resource yourself” instead of just pushing through. If you’ve been feeling stuck, foggy, or like you’re doing everything but still not moving forward, this episode will hit home.Main TakeawaysYou’re not behind, you’re likely operating without acknowledging everything you’ve been carryingScarcity mindset after a hard season can quietly shape your decisions and keep you stuckYour energy, not just your time, is one of your most valuable assetsResourcing yourself (mentally, physically, strategically) is essential for growthHighlights Include00:00 – Reconnecting with Monique and what she’s been building02:30 – Why intimate spaces and coaching containers matter04:30 – Starting YouTube and breaking through creative burnout06:00 – The hidden impact of hard seasons on decision-making08:00 – Why you’re not telling yourself the full story10:00 – High-achievers and the trap of self-pressure12:30 – Why “feeling less overwhelmed” isn’t the right goal15:00 – Scarcity mindset after financial or life shocks18:00 – Why cost-first thinking keeps you stuck21:00 – The “delusional belief” successful people hold about their future27:00 – The real value of your time and energy33:30 – What actually changed after hiring support36:00 – Mental fog and why you don’t even realize you’re in it40:00 – Why stability is not the same as hoarding43:00 – What it really means to “resource yourself”46:00 – The importance of having multiple “brains” supporting you50:00 – Why your nervous system needs support in today’s world52:00 – Reframing “I can’t afford it” into a choiceLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (April 17)Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaInstagram: @moniquershieldsPodcast: Ambition Without CompromiseSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro

This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy. What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family.This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined.Highlights Include00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness MonthLinks Mentioned in This Episode• Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17)Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro

If you’re a side hustler or solopreneur, taxes can go from simple to overwhelming real fast and the truth is, many entrepreneurs are quietly losing thousands of dollars just by not knowing what they don’t know. In this episode, I sat down with CPA and TurboTax Expert Lisa Greene-Lewis to break down the most common tax mistakes side hustlers make, from choosing the wrong business structure too early to missing out on key deductions and failing to stay organized throughout the year. We also unpack what actually makes taxes more complex as your business grows and how to stay ahead of it before tax season hits.This conversation is all about helping you feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control of your finances. Because the goal is not just to make money in your business but to keep more of it.Main TakeawaysLack of consistent tracking is the biggest mistake that leads to overpaying taxesMany solopreneurs miss deductions simply because they are unaware of what qualifiesStaying organized year-round is the key to reducing stress and maximizing savingsHighlights Include00:00 – Introduction to tax season for solopreneurs02:00 – Lisa’s journey into tax expertise and entrepreneurship05:20 – LLC vs S corp: what you actually need to know08:20 – When taxes start to feel complicated09:30 – Why tracking income and expenses is critical11:40 – Common deductions people miss13:00 – Home office deduction explained14:20 – Section 179 and equipment write-offs15:10 – What you can’t deduct (clothes, hair, makeup)16:40 – Business credit card interest deduction17:20 – Employing your kids as a tax strategy18:00 – SEP IRA and retirement savings for entrepreneurs19:00 – Qualified Business Income deduction20:10 – Key tax law updates and 1099-K changes23:20 – How to stay organized with QuickBooks25:40 – How TurboTax experts support business owners27:10 – Lisa’s personal system for staying organized Links Mentioned in This EpisodeTurboTax: https://turbotax.com/business QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.comWatch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-greene-lewis-7721b815a Website: https://turbotax.com/business Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to finally start that thing you said you’d do this year, this episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is, that moment isn’t coming.This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on a very real, very messy week in my life and sharing why I decided to hit record anyway. From sick kids to mental clutter to a house that is far from organized, I had every reason to wait. But instead, I leaned into a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t require perfection.In this episode, I walk you through the mindset shifts that have helped me move through overwhelm, take action with limited time and energy, and stop letting the idea of “feeling ready” delay my goals. Because sometimes the real work isn’t the task itself, it’s learning how to show up before everything feels aligned.Main TakeawaysWaiting for the perfect time will keep you stuck longer than just starting messyYou have to work with the time and energy you actually have, not what you wish you hadNaming what’s holding you back helps you move through it fasterThe real growth often comes from managing your mindset, not completing the taskHighlights Include00:00 – Why I recorded this episode despite not feeling ready02:10 – How “unexpected” life moments keep disrupting plans04:18 – Learning to work in chaos instead of waiting for order05:30 – Lowering the bar to get started06:10 – Work with the time you have, not the time you wish you had08:00 – Managing your energy to show up at your best10:15 – Why naming the problem helps you move forward11:43 – Recognizing the season you’re in and adjusting expectations14:00 – Are you truly blocked or just thrown off?16:12 – How accountability helped me launch Side Hustle Pro18:36 – Overcoming imposter syndrome in a career leap21:22 – The hidden cost of needing to “have it all together”23:21 – Why perfection delays your income and growth26:24 – Maybe the real goal is mastering your mindset29:19 – Adjusting expectations so you can move forwardLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 10th)Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro