Grief & Pizza

In this conversation, Alex Hillman shares his journey from web developer to co-founder of Indy Hall, one of the first co-working spaces in the United States, exploring how community building, meaningful relationships, and iterative learning have shaped his entrepreneurial path. Links * Indy Hall [https://indyhall.org/] * 10k Independents [https://10k.city/] Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Alex Hillman [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/alex-hillman] - Guest

Jessica Abel shares her extensive journey as a creative, starting as a cartoonist and evolving into a business coach for creatives. She discusses her experiences in the comics industry, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and the importance of teaching business fundamentals to aspiring artists. The conversation highlights the need for creatives to adapt their business models and find ways to support their artistic practices while navigating the complexities of the art market. Links * Website [https://jessicaabel.com/] * Autonomous Creative Conference [https://www.autonomouscreative.com/] Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Jessica Abel [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/jessica-abel] - Guest

In this episode, we dive deep with Rob Hardy, a writer whose "devotional pursuit of a more beautiful internet" has led him to craft powerful manifestos that challenge the status quo. Rob shares his journey from filmmaker to manifesto writer, including the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and his transformative experience writing "The Source" [https://ungated.life/p/the-source], an article on perfectionism that resonated deeply with Ben and Marie. Links * Ungated Life [https://ungated.life/] * Ungated Media [https://forest.quest/] * Manifestory [https://manifestory.co/] Takeaways * Metrics and views destroy what makes the internet meaningful—connecting with our unique people * Manifestos contain three elements: articulating what's wrong, envisioning what's possible, and building a bridge between them * Perfectionism oscillates between shame and grandiosity, while healing happens in the uncomfortable valley between * Community support systems show us our struggles aren't unique and we don't need to face them alone * Sustainable businesses start from safety, not scarcity, which leads to chasing metrics and "best practices" * Writing a manifesto transforms the creator by forcing confrontation with deeper values and identity * Manifestos help startups clarify values, improve decisions, guide hiring, and attract aligned customers * Creating from conversation rather than control allows for genuine connections and surprising insights Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Rob Hardy [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/rob-hardy] - Guest

In this episode, we're talking to founder Andrew Askins about his experience growing an agency, getting acqui-hired, and then getting fired. We talk about company culture, the unique challenges of being a founder, and what it's like to bootstrap a software business.   Links * AndrewAskins.com [https://AndrewAskins.com] * MetaMonster.ai [https://metamonster.ai/] Takeaways * Selling a business creates unexpected emotional challenges, particularly around maintaining team culture and transparency during transition * The shift from founder to employee requires significant identity adjustment and emotional processing * Mindfulness practices and somatic therapy provide practical tools for managing entrepreneurial stress and anxiety * Successful entrepreneurship requires balancing optimistic vision with realistic anxiety management * Strong partnerships can provide essential emotional and strategic balance in business leadership * Teaching and public speaking effectiveness comes from authentic storytelling rather than technical perfection * Fear of judgment often blocks creative potential more than actual skill limitations * Building genuine community and psychological safety unlocks both team and individual growth Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Andrew Askins [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/andrew-askins] - Guest

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Corey Wilks, a licensed clinical psychologist and executive coach who helps high performing entrepreneurs overcome their limiting beliefs and build a values aligned life and business. We also talk about what it means to navigate entrepreneurship when you're neurodivergent.   Links * CoreyWilksPsyD.com [https://coreywilkspsyd.com/] * Creator Alchemy [https://www.creatoralchemy.com/] Takeaways * ADHD can lead to both challenges and strengths in entrepreneurship, often driving hyper-focus and creativity. * Theory crafting can be a form of self-sabotage, preventing action and real-world execution. * Authenticity in coaching relationships fosters trust and allows clients to embrace their true selves. * Productivity should serve personal goals, not become an end in itself. * Many entrepreneurs feel trapped by their own success, creating a 'gilded cage' instead of freedom. * Fear of failure, ridicule, and uncertainty are common barriers for entrepreneurs. * Coaching high-performing clients can be more rewarding than working with those who lack motivation. * Understanding what one truly wants is crucial for personal and professional alignment. * The journey of self-discovery is often complex and requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Change can be overwhelming, but it's essential for growth. * Many people wait for permission to pursue their desires. * Fear of success often stems from the fear of isolation. * Coaching should focus on facilitating transformation, not giving advice. * Fun and passion are key to successful content creation. Authenticity resonates with people and builds connections. Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Corey Wilks, Psy.D. [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/corey-wilks-psy-d] - Guest