Let's Talk Shop

Maddie Smith: Always on the Move with DC's Favorite Travel Influencer

This week on Kind of a Lot, Grace sits down with Maddie Smith, the creator behind @onthemovewithmad. What began as a local food blog during the pandemic has since transformed into a full-time career in travel and lifestyle influencing. Maddie opens up about leaving her corporate job in commercial real estate, building a social media agency, and ultimately rebranding into a content creator who’s quite literally always on the move. From navigating growth to finding community along the way, Maddie shares what it takes to turn passion into a career and why she’s embracing the journey wherever it leads. We’re celebrating this week’s episode with a Podcast Starter Kit Giveaway! One lucky listener will win headphones, a mic, and a pop filter to finally kick off their own show. Head to the @kindofalotpod Instagram account for more details on how to enter. This episode is proudly fueled by Compass Coffee—keeping DC creative, connected, and caffeinated one cup at a time.

Jamie Fortin: Romanticizing Life with Friends to Lovers Romance Bookstore Owner

Join host Grace Varca as she sits down with Jamie Fortin, owner of Friends to Lovers, Alexandria's cozy and carefully curated romance bookstore. Jamie has built a space that’s as much about a women-centered community and connection as it is about the finding your next favorite read. She shares how Friends to Lovers came to be, through all the burning (literally and figuratively) that comes with the perfect romance novel. Want to browse the shelves, attend a book club, or just find your next trope? Visit www.friendstoloversbookstore.com [http://www.friendstoloversbookstore.com] or follow @friendstoloversbookstore to connect with Jamie. This episode is sponsored by Compass Coffee. Today’s the last day to enter our giveaway where one lucky listener will win free coffee for a whole month! Head to the tagged post on our Instagram to enter.

Lauren Roche: Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Manifestation

Join host Grace Varca as she interviews one of her own favorite podcasters, Lauren Roche, host of The Naked Truth with Lauren. A 28-year-old girlie, living in DC, passionate about creating spaces for open conversations and building genuine community, Lauren quit her full time job to focus all of her energy on building out her own business and wellness brand. Interested in joining the conversation, engaging content, interactive workshops, 1:1 coaching, and gratitude? Visit thenakedtruthwithlauren.com [http://thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] or follow her socials @thenakedtruth.pod to connect with Lauren.

Extra, Extra: Bits and Pieces

Oh baby! Here's a bonus episode. Join host Grace Varca as runs you through some of her favorite phrases that are infiltrating her friend group. And if there's one thing about Grace, she's going to run a joke to the ground. So here are a few she can't stop saying.

Let's Talk Shop

Join host Grace Varca this week as she runs you through everything on her mind. From starting a business she can't talk about, to selling yourself (no, not in that way), to even trying to make this summer a cool girl summer, Grace has got a lot going on. Oh, and if you happen to see one of the 800 business cards she got as a Canva deal, make sure to at least check out some of the socials. She's been pan handling stores around DC like you wouldn't even believe.