UNF*DGE Your Marketing
The podcast where we talk about what really happens when marketing doesn’t go according to plan.
Browse episodes:
Type of Interview
Stop Stepping Over Your Best Marketing Opportunities
Episode 53
Join host Kristi Mitchell and guest Kris Ward as they unpack the common marketing missteps entrepreneurs make—especially those missed opportunities hiding in plain sight. Kris shares her journey from overworking to building a business that supports her life, and explains how overlooking seemingly "small" client questions can actually be a major differentiator. Discover strategies for connecting more authentically with your audience, the value of addressing misconceptions, and why it's crucial to align your business and marketing with the life you want to lead. Packed with actionable takeaways and memorable analogies, this conversation is a must-listen for any service-based business owner wanting to make their marketing (and business) work better for them.
Integrity Over Income: The Truth About Marketing Recommendations
Episode 52
Join host Kristi Mitchell and guest Maria Platusic as they explore the importance of integrity and customization in marketing. They discuss common pitfalls business owners face when working with marketing providers, the dangers of one-size-fits-all solutions, and how to ask the right questions to ensure your unique needs are met. Discover actionable advice on building trust with marketing experts, choosing sustainable strategies, and finding the right fit for your business’s long-term goals. Perfect for mission-driven service providers seeking authentic, client-centered marketing guidance.
From Summit Stress to Business Growth: Lessons From Investing Before You’re Ready
Episode 51
Lisa Mallis joins Kristi Mitchell to reflect on early business mistakes, the challenges of marketing to the wrong audience, and the consequences of taking on projects outside your zone of genius. They explore the importance of investing in the right support, learning from setbacks, and trusting your instincts as an entrepreneur. The conversation highlights real-life lessons about niching down, evolving your ideal client, and balancing ambition with staying true to yourself and your values.
Why Live Launching Isn't for Everyone – Trusting Your Gut in Marketing
Episode 50
Kristi Mitchell interviews business growth strategist Michelle DeNio about her marketing journey, focusing on the highs and lows of live launching. Together, they explore why certain marketing strategies—like open-and-closed cart launches—might not feel aligned for every business owner, and how tuning into your energy and preferences can lead to more authentic and successful marketing. Michelle shares her transition to evergreen offers and emphasizes the importance of picking marketing tactics that are both effective and enjoyable. The conversation is packed with real advice on overcoming burnout, finding your unique approach, and building marketing strategies around what truly works for you.
Authenticity, Automation, and Analytics: Winning Strategies from 19 Years in Business
Episode 49
UnF*dge Your Marketing host Kristi Mitchell sits down with Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global, to explore the ups and downs of transforming marketing strategies in a tech-focused business. Allen shares his journey of consolidating multiple marketing systems into a single platform, the impact of data-driven decision making, and the power of streamlining processes for greater efficiency. The conversation highlights embracing imperfection, setting firm deadlines to drive progress, and the importance of authenticity and relationship-building in marketing. Listeners will gain practical insights on leveraging technology, evolving messaging for ideal clients, adapting nurture strategies, and keeping marketing fresh and effective through periods of change.
Overcoming Cookie-Cutter Marketing: Finding Your Authentic Voice
Episode 48
Ashley Cox joins Kristi Mitchell to share candid stories about her early marketing missteps—including investing in overly rigid, cookie-cutter marketing programs that didn’t fit her unique business or voice. Together, they explore lessons in overcoming overwhelm, finding authentic strategies that align with your personality, and letting go of “shoulds” and shame in business. Tune in for honest insights on building a marketing approach that feels good, leverages your strengths, and creates real connections.
How to Systematize Your Marketing Content with AI, Without Losing Authenticity
Episode 47
If you’re a business owner wondering how to leverage AI in your marketing without compromising authenticity and integrity, this episode is for you.
Kristi Mitchell shares her personal journey of initially resisting AI tools like ChatGPT because it felt inauthentic, like content scraped from everywhere else and not truly her own voice. But through experimentation and discovering smarter ways to integrate AI, she’s built a sustainable system that helps her create authentic, consistent content without burnout, huge budgets, or losing control.
Kristi walks you through her process of capturing ideas naturally using voice memos. She then turns those recordings into flexible content with smart AI-assisted tools, all while layering in her unique expertise and editing to stay real.
Redefining Marketing: Ditching Cold calling for Relationship Building
Episode 46
Ashley Carlson, founder and CEO of Elevate Virtual Business Solutions, joins Kristi Mitchell to share her journey of redefining marketing after leaving the corporate world. Together, they explore the shift from traditional, numbers-driven marketing to a more authentic, relationship-based approach that feels aligned and sustainable for small business owners. Key themes include overcoming the intimidation of marketing, finding strategies that match your strengths, the power of human connection, and the importance of delegating tasks to stay in your zone of genius. Ashley also highlights how outsourcing content creation can maintain authenticity while reducing overwhelm, and how genuine connection and founder-led content help businesses grow.
Aligning Expectations: The #1 Secret to Successful Marketing Projects
Episode 45
Join Kristi Mitchell and guest Seth Goldstein, a digital marketer and podcaster, as they unpack some of the most common marketing mistakes business owners make—especially around misaligned expectations and project delays. They discuss the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and realistic timelines in successful marketing partnerships, as well as how being strategic with website and content planning can make or break your results. Plus, they highlight why having fun with your marketing and maintaining flexibility in budgets and deliverables leads to more rewarding projects. Perfect for service-based businesses looking to un-fudge their marketing approach and build stronger relationships with their marketing providers.
Breaking Free from the “Guru Trap” to Build Authentic Business Growth
Episode 44
Norma Frahn joins Kristi Mitchell to share her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, highlighting the pitfalls of “being gurued” by one-size-fits-all business advice and marketing strategies. Norma and Kristi discuss the importance of building a business and marketing approach rooted in your own values, vision, and strengths—rather than blindly following industry “experts.” Hear Norma’s lessons learned from building two businesses, tips for regaining clarity and intentionality in marketing, and practical advice for finding the right kind of support as a small business owner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to market with authenticity, stay aligned to their goals, and filter out the noise of empty marketing promises.
Navigating Marketing in Uncertain Times
Episode 43
Kristy Mitchell shares raw, unfiltered thoughts on how business owners can navigate marketing decisions during times of economic uncertainty. Touching on lessons from the pandemic and today’s market instability, she explores the instinct to cut marketing budgets, the importance of adapting strategies, and how proactive, holistic marketing can set businesses up for long-term success. Christy encourages listeners to consider new opportunities for connecting with audiences, rethink traditional approaches, and make intentional choices that position their brands for growth—even in challenging times.
Investing in Your Business: Tips for Making the Right Choice
Episode 42
In this episode of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," hosts Kristi Mitchell and Toby Myles explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when investing in their business. They discuss the importance of recognizing where to invest first and how to evaluate whether an investment aligns with your current needs and expectations. The conversation highlights real-life experiences of hiring coaches and service providers, emphasizing the value of trust, clear expectations, and the lessons learned from both successful and less-than-ideal investments. Plus, the episode touches on the impact of consistent content marketing and the often-hidden audience of "lurkers" who become clients when they're ready.
Resisting Peer Pressure as a Business Owner: Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms
Episode 41
In this episode of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," Kristi Mitchell and Alison Ver Halen dive into the challenges and lessons of marketing missteps. They explore the pressure of following trends, like the use of Instagram for business, and discuss the importance of aligning marketing tactics with personal strengths and audience preferences. Alison shares her journey of experimenting with Instagram, the realization of its misalignment with her audience, and the benefits of focusing on platforms like LinkedIn. They emphasize the significance of authenticity, consistency over frequency, and the patience required to see results in marketing efforts. This episode is filled with valuable insights for business owners contemplating their marketing strategies.
Facing Zero Attendees: Lessons in Marketing Resilience
Episode 40
Join host Christy Mitchell as she welcomes Kaitlyn Rios to share her experiences in launching a nonprofit organization and the marketing challenges she faced. This episode uncovers valuable lessons learned from organizing virtual events with no attendees, the importance of starting your marketing efforts early, and the benefits of leveraging automation and consistency. Gain insights into overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and the power of authentic connection in building meaningful relationships for your business.
Navigating Marketing Tools and Tactics: Finding What Really Works for Your Business
Episode 39
Kristi Mitchell and Bradley Mendel discuss the journey of overcoming marketing challenges in a service-based business. They explore the importance of aligning marketing strategies with personal interests to enhance authenticity and engagement. The conversation highlights the value of video content for building the know, like, and trust factor with clients. They also mention the trials of using marketing providers, software limitations, and the critical need for consistent, strategic marketing efforts to achieve long-term results. Bradley emphasizes the significance of referrals, educational outreach, and the ongoing pursuit of effective marketing solutions tailored to the financial industry.
Mastering LinkedIn: The Shift from Authority to Trust in Content Strategy
Episode 38
In Episode 38 of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," Kristi Mitchell and Joe Raasch explore the power of storytelling and trust-building on LinkedIn. Joe shares his journey from emphasizing authority in content to prioritizing authentic engagement. They discuss how personal stories can foster deeper connections, bridge gaps between businesses and clients, and highlight the importance of intentionality in digital interactions. Joe also underscores the significance of transitioning from traditional authority-driven content to sharing personal experiences and forming genuine relationships. Perfect for listeners who want to optimize their LinkedIn presence and engagement strategy.
Marketing Lessons Learned: From Google Ads to Purchasing Email Lists
Episode 37
This episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing features a conversation with Mark Harbeke, founder of Harbeke Marketing, as he shares insights from his experiences in the marketing world. Key themes include the lessons learned from running Google Ads and the challenges associated with buying email lists. Kristi Mitchell and Mark discuss the importance of strategic marketing approaches, the significance of differentiation, and the evolving landscape of email marketing. They also explore alternative ways to grow email lists authentically and discuss the value of leveraging other people's audiences through collaborations. Tune in to gain valuable advice for avoiding common marketing missteps and achieving a better ROI on your marketing efforts.
Navigating Uncertainty with Authentic Marketing Strategies
Episode 36
In this solo episode of Unfudge Your Marketing, host Kristi Mitchell dives into the challenges of marketing in uncertain times. With 2025 kicking off amid political and economic instability, Kristi shares insights from recent conversations with business owners who are struggling to navigate these complexities.
From Marketing Frustration to Clarity: Finding the Right Support
Episode 35
Explore the journey of Hayden Orme, founder of Handled by Hayden & Co, as she shares her experiences with authentic branding and the significance of aligning marketing strategies with core values. Understand the challenges faced in outsourcing marketing execution and the lessons learned about trusting one's instincts in business decisions. This conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, the impact of timing on business strategies, and the value of expert collaboration to achieve business growth and holistic success.
Discovering the Power of Iteration in Failed Marketing Campaigns
Episode 34
Explore essential themes such as the pitfalls of desperation disguised as ambition in marketing efforts, and the importance of strategic iteration and adaptability for business growth. Learn from Brian McDonald's firsthand experience with Facebook ads, offering vital lessons on identifying suitable platforms for reaching your ideal clients and avoiding common marketing mistakes. Dive into the importance of focusing on "less but better" strategies and selecting a provider who promotes testing and iterative improvement. Discover how genuine engagement and tailored marketing tactics can significantly enhance business outcomes.