In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we chat with Ashley McDonald, a therapist and nervous system first business mentor, about high functioning burnout. The conversation explores why high functioning burnout is invisible to others, how high-achieving women live in a constant state of "never enough," and practical tools like the Somatic Wealth Framework and micro moments of stillness to help you stop adding and start subtracting.

You can connect with Ashley through her podcast "Shamelessly Ambitious" or access her mini webinar "The Energy Advantage Training" which addresses the three capacity leaks affecting high-achieving women and provides simple resets for managing exhaustion.

Time-Based Notes:

• 1:12 - Rapid Fire Questions

• 5:53 - Ashley’s Career Journey

• 8:48 - Defining High Functioning Burnout

• 11:19 - Identifying Value Misalignment

• 14:36 - Recognizing Capacity Issues and Internal Signals

• 17:28 - The Somatic Wealth Framework

• 20:05 - Micro Moments of Stillness and Cortisol Addiction

• 22:54 - Adding vs. Subtracting Approach

• 26:44 - Truth-Checking

• 28:19 - First Steps for Recovery

• 29:43 - Inner Child and Self-Compassion

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode273

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we're talking all about modernizing your party and group selling strategies for 2026. You'll learn how to leverage pop-up shop experiences, referral programs, text-only selling, collaboration opportunities, and problem-specific parties to connect with customers in ways that feel simple, fun, and effective in today's market.

Looking to access the complete Party Like It's 2026 training with templates, scripts, and messaging strategies for all five strategies? Join the Modern Direct Seller Academy for just $15!

Time-Based Notes:

• 1:13 - Why Traditional Facebook Parties Don't Work Anymore

• 6:15 - Strategy 1: Pop-up Shop Experience

• 8:34 - Strategy 2: Referral Programs

• 11:02 - Strategy 3: Text-Only Selling Strategy

• 14:40 - Strategy 4: Collaboration Approach

• 17:04 - Strategy 5: Problem-Specific Parties

• 19:24 - Applying the Strategies

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode272

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we chat with Maggie Schneider, SEO savant and founder of Hilltop Help, about getting more traffic to your website. Maggie shares why direct sellers should have their own websites, the foundational SEO steps that matter most, and how blogging and Pinterest work together for long-term visibility. She also covers quick wins like setting up Google Analytics and creating a Google Business Profile.

You can connect with Maggie at hilltophelp.com to explore her services, blog, and courses, or follow her on Instagram for quick SEO tips. Don't forget to grab her free SEO checklist to get started with the basics.

Time-Based Notes:

• 1:25 - Rapid Fire Questions

• 3:41 - Maggie's Career Transition

• 6:41 - The Importance of Having Your Own Website

• 12:14 - SEO Fundamentals and Quick Wins

• 15:13 - Content Strategy and Keyword Research

• 18:02 - Blogging Relevance and Long-term Value

• 22:57 - Leveraging Pinterest for Traffic

• 25:07 - Google Business Profiles Setup

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode271

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we're talking all about New Year's resolutions and goal-setting for 2026. We're sharing the science behind why goals work and what it takes to actually stick with them beyond February. Get ready to set clear focus areas that will help you grow your direct sales business this year.

Want accountability and support to hit your 2026 goals? Join the Modern Direct Seller Academy Pro or VIP program and get access to this Friday's virtual retreat plus the exclusive "Party Like It's 2026" training with five different sales strategies, templates, and all the assets you need.

Time-Based Notes:

• 3:44 - The Science and Statistics Behind Goal Setting

• 8:30 - Academy Programs and Virtual Retreat

• 9:37 - Consistency and Systems

• 12:17 - Primary Money-Making Activities

• 15:27 - Party Like It's 2026

• 16:42 - Personal Brand Elevation

• 19:18 - Personal Branding Updates and 2026 Goals

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode270

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, Becky and Jeremy Launder reflect on their business journey throughout 2025, sharing what worked and what didn't. They share insights on growth, team dynamics, and the importance of adapting strategies. They also get real on personal wins and family life, culminating in a look ahead to 2026 and the goals they have set for the upcoming year.

Time-Based Notes:

• 2:29 Overall 2025 Business Performance Assessment

• 8:46 Academy's Unexpected January Success

• 12:40 Oh My Hi Platform Achievements and Growth

• 14:32 Partnership Strategy Success

• 18:02 Affiliate Incentive Trip Failure Analysis

• 26:38 Team Evolution and Operational Changes

• 29:46 2026 Strategic Plans and Outlook

• 31:07 Personal Life and Vacation Planning

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode269

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we're talking all about 2026 predictions and trends for the direct sales industry. After a year of significant industry shifts and changes, we're looking ahead at what's coming next and how direct sellers can position themselves for success. You'll hear four key predictions that will help shape strategy, focus, and planning for the year ahead. This episode is perfect for anyone ready to think “Bigger Picture” about their business and stay ahead of the curve.

Time-Based Notes:

• 3:39 - One Channel, Limitless Lanes

• 12:04 - Personal Branding Supremacy

• 14:42 - Consistency Equals Longevity

• 17:24 - Social Media: Discovery Over Sales

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode267

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we're diving into 11 practical things to do before 2026. With the holidays approaching and business naturally slowing down, this is the perfect window to reset and prepare for the new year. You'll walk away with friendly reminders and actionable ideas to close out 2025 with intention and start 2026 with momentum.

Ready to map out your 2026 goals and lean into what's working in the industry? Join the upcoming planning workshop to reflect on the year, set your first quarter goals, and come ready for prizes.

Time-Based Notes:

• 3:40 - Send Notes of Gratitude

• 4:57 - Reconnect with People

• 5:57 - Update Your Contact List

• 7:39 - Create a Customer Preferences Form

• 9:23 - Review Subscriptions

• 11:15 - Year-End Cleanup

• 12:48 - Create a Year-End Recap

• 14:13 - Plan Your January Runway

• 15:32 - Year-End Product Inventory and Tax Prep

• 17:27 - 2026 Planning Workshop and Rest

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode267

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we chat with speaking coach Heather Sager about building confidence and connecting authentically in a speaking engagement; whether that's on a big stage, behind the camera, or in everyday business moments. Heather shares how a deeply personal experience shaped her speaking journey and why she believes a "stage" is anywhere you share your message. You'll walk away with practical strategies for finding your authentic voice, avoiding common mistakes that make you sound robotic, and making sales feel natural instead of pushy.

You can connect with Heather on her website, where you'll find free resources and her podcast, The Ramble Refinery. She's also offering a free guide with key phrases and transitions to help you incorporate sales naturally into your speaking.

Time-Based Notes:

• 1:22 - Getting to Know Heather

• 3:30 - Heather's Personal Speaking Journey

• 7:40 - Redefining What a "Stage" Really Means

• 13:26 - The Parrot Effect: Biggest Speaking Mistakes

• 17:17 - AI and Creative Atrophy

• 24:36 - The Magnetic Talk Formula

• 29:16 - Incorporating Sales Naturally

• 34:52 - Practicing Transitions and Sticky Points

• 38:03 - Overcoming Self-Criticism and Nervousness

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode266