Benshen Talks S.H.I.T.

Money can be a source of anxiety and shame for many entrepreneurs, especially those in creative fields. But what if we could change our relationship with finances and empower ourselves to take control of our business's financial health? In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Smith Licari, founder of The Small Business Planner, to discuss how we can overcome the fear and shame associated with money. Catherine shares her journey from the fashion industry to becoming a financial literacy advocate for creative entrepreneurs, offering invaluable insights on building a solid financial foundation for your business. Catherine emphasizes that financial literacy is simply learning a new language. She emphasizes there's no need to feel shame about not understanding financial terms but to show up with the same curiosity as when you're learning a new language. The key is to push through the initial discomfort and realize that this knowledge is attainable and can fundamentally change your business and life. TOPICS COVERED: * Identifying a problem your product or service solves * Understanding why you're the right person to bring this solution to market * The importance of finding the right financial professionals who make you feel respected and supported * How to overcome the initial resistance to learning about finances * The value of asking questions and seeking clarity from your accountant or bookkeeper Guest Info: Catherine's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/catherinepdv/?hl=en] Catherine's Website [https://catherinepdv.com/] The Small Business Planner [https://smallbusinessplanner.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeqNTI6GP2JwWvKExgyyVnKl3tUCs99LFLuhhHEUH2drhrFLaq5wplXHHJGWA_aem_3dqz5yxO6Cpg9C3iotJKmA]   Get in Touch: Benshen.co Website [https://www.benshen.co/] Benshen Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership] Benshen.co Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benshen.co/] Rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benshen-talks-s-h-i-t/id1674621579?l=en], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06pDYPb3f2lboWuBQkHHjr], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYmVuc2hlbi10YWxrcy1zaGl0], or on your favorite podcast platform.

Your voice is your most powerful tool—whether you're in a meeting, pitching a brand, showing up on Instagram, or leading a room. In this episode, I’m sharing my best tips on how to find and refine your voice both in real life and online. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to show up clearly, confidently, and in a way that truly reflects who you are, this is for you. In this episode, we unpack what it means to find your voice, how to discovered the WHY behind your fears on sharing yourself with the world, and how to use creative practices so that you can speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. TOPICS COVERED: * What “finding your voice” really means in your work and online presence * How to overcome self-doubt and visibility resistance * Practical tools to build confidence in your communication * Tips for writing and speaking in a way that sounds like you * How to stay consistent across platforms without losing authenticity Get in Touch: Benshen.co Website [https://www.benshen.co/] Benshen Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership] Benshen.co Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benshen.co/] Rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benshen-talks-s-h-i-t/id1674621579?l=en], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06pDYPb3f2lboWuBQkHHjr], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYmVuc2hlbi10YWxrcy1zaGl0], or on your favorite podcast platform.

This month inside Benshen is an invocation of your wild, sacred self. The part of you that was never meant to be polished, pleasing, or proper. The part that prays under moonlight, that knows beauty as power, that remembers the body as the first temple. The Divine Untamed is a four-week journey of reclamation and return—into the mythic, sensual, and sovereign feminine. A remembrance that your rage is holy, your desire is divine, and your sensuality is not something to hide or fix—but to honor, feel, and express. WEEK 1 | THE AWAKENING: Living The Vision, Moving As Flame WEEK 2 | THE DESCENT: The 7 Gates of Venus + The Shadow as Sacred WEEK 3 | THE SACRED FLAME: Inanna, Lilith and The Lineage of the Divine WEEK 4 | THE RECLAMATION: Power, Pleasure, and the Sacred Feminine   Begins June 7th | Join The Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership]   Get in Touch: Benshen.co Website [https://www.benshen.co/] Benshen Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership] Benshen.co Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benshen.co/] Rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benshen-talks-s-h-i-t/id1674621579?l=en], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06pDYPb3f2lboWuBQkHHjr], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYmVuc2hlbi10YWxrcy1zaGl0], or on your favorite podcast platform.

Love, relationships, and personal growth - these themes intertwine in our latest heart-to-heart conversation with the incredible Rachel Saunders. As we revisit our journeys from to women in loving partnerships, we uncover the transformative power of self-acceptance and authenticity. Rachel also shares her inspiring transition from Rachel Saunders Ceramics to The Sanctuary, a digital haven for creatives and entrepreneurs. This pivot not only reshaped her career but also paved the way for a more aligned connections in all areas of her life. This conversation serves as a reminder that the journey to love often begins with loving ourselves first. We explore how setting clear boundaries, honoring our authenticity, and embracing vulnerability can lead to partnerships that feel easy, supportive, and deeply fulfilling. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, this episode offers insights to help you cultivate more meaningful connections - with yourself and others. TOPICS COVERED * How embracing our true selves attracts more authentic relationships * The importance of letting go of external validation * Redefining societal expectations around partnership and marriage * The value of imagining both the dream and the reality of what we seek * Breaking patterns and surrendering control to invite aligned experiences Guest Info: Rachel's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersceramics/?hl=en] The Sanctuary Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesanctuarybyrachel/] The Sanctuary by Rachel [https://www.thesanctuarybyrachel.com/]   Get in Touch: Benshen.co Website [https://www.benshen.co/] Benshen Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership] Benshen.co Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benshen.co/] Rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benshen-talks-s-h-i-t/id1674621579?l=en], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06pDYPb3f2lboWuBQkHHjr], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYmVuc2hlbi10YWxrcy1zaGl0], or on your favorite podcast platform.

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of beauty, community, and personal growth with the incredible Darian Symoné Harvin. A multifaceted journalist, author, and media curator renowned for her insightful coverage of beauty, pop culture, and politics, Darian has contributed to esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Allure, and Teen Vogue. With over a decade of experience as a creative storyteller, multidisciplinary artist, and accomplished journalist, Darian brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of beauty, politics, and pop culture. TOPICS COVERED: * How her grandmother's soul food restaurant inspired her approach to building connections * The importance of creating intentional spaces for genuine conversations * Why authenticity and vulnerability are key to fostering meaningful relationships * Transitioning from covering others' stories to sharing her own unique voice * Balancing personal growth with professional development Guest Info: Darian's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/darian/?hl=en] Studio Symoné Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio.symone/?hl=en] Studio Symoné Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@studio.symone?lang=en] Studio Symoné Website [https://www.studiosymone.com/about]   Get in Touch: Benshen.co Website [https://www.benshen.co/] Benshen Membership [https://www.benshen.co/themembership] Benshen.co Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benshen.co/] Rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benshen-talks-s-h-i-t/id1674621579?l=en], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06pDYPb3f2lboWuBQkHHjr], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYmVuc2hlbi10YWxrcy1zaGl0], or on your favorite podcast platform.