Melissa Middlestadt doesn’t just talk money—she demystifies it. In this no-BS episode, Melissa unpacks what every solopreneur really needs to know about their finances—from why separating your personal and business bank accounts isn’t just a suggestion, to how avoiding your cash flow could be the exact reason your business won’t grow.

Lexie and Melissa dig into the emotional weight behind money, sharing why your financial habits likely stem from your childhood, and how to rewrite your story with small but game-changing shifts. Melissa breaks down the differences between financial consultants, bookkeepers, and advisors, and shares her go-to “money relationship scale” to help you measure where you’re at—no shame, just clarity. Plus: her top book recs for money mindset that don’t suck.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What’s the difference between a financial advisor, a bookkeeper, and a financial consultant?
• How do I separate my personal and business finances as a solopreneur?
• What are the first steps to improving my money mindset?
• Why is cash flow such a big deal for small business owners?
• What books actually help with financial literacy for coaches?

Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches

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• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com
  
  

Learn more about Melissa Mittelstaedt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_melissamitt/

Website: https://www.melissamitt.com/

Everyone’s talking about passive income—but are they telling the whole story? Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith peel back the glossy Instagram filter and dig into what it actually takes to launch a successful course or low-ticket offer as a coach in 2025.

Emily breaks down the myth of “build it and they will come,” while Lexie throws some real math at our course creation dreams—yes, we’re talking ad spend, ROAS, and whether your 1K followers will cut it. Together, they dissect the economics of digital products and deliver a no-BS roadmap to making course sales work without betting your whole business on it.

This episode is for the coach who’s been tempted by $49 course promises, wondering if their audience is ready—or even wants it. Spoiler: market research matters, and so does managing your expectations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How big does your audience need to be to make passive income from courses?
• What’s the real cost behind a “$100K course launch”?
• Should you spend money on ads or start with organic sales?
• How many courses do you need to sell to hit your income goals?
• Is your course idea even something people want? (And how to find out.)
  
  Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches
  • Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
  • Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Coaches, are your backend operations a hot mess express? You’re not alone. Erica Farrell, a certified Online Business Manager (OBM), joins Ready Set Coach Podcast to expose the common operational struggles coaches face—and more importantly, how to fix them.

Erica walks us through the fundamental difference between OBMs and VAs and why hiring a VA without proper systems in place often leads to frustration and burnout. She explains why OBMs serve as the operational heartbeat of a growing business, handling everything from project management to team coordination, so entrepreneurs can focus on their zone of genius—coaching.

We also dive into the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why skipping documentation can sabotage your business. Plus, Erica introduces her Operational Style quiz, a must-take assessment to help you understand how you naturally function in business and whether you’re truly ready to hire operational support.

🔍 In this episode, we discuss:

• OBM vs VA: Which one does your business actually need?
• Why hiring a VA without a system in place leads to disaster
• How SOPs can save you from micromanaging (and burnout!)
• Are you ready to hire operational help? Take the Operational Style quiz

Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Take the Operational Style quiz: https://airtable.com/appwasXTLW26rHed0/shrTlk6kxazN5L6uJ

Erika Ferrell is a Strategic Operations Coach & Certified OBM, I help ambitious entrepreneurs transform chaos into clockwork. She helps transform your business systems into streamlined operations & guides your team into sustainable success.

Website: https://www.erikaferrellandco.com/

Instagram: @erikaferrell_andco

https://www.instagram.com/erikaferrell_andco/

Teacher Byrd, founder of Sex Ed with Byrd, isn’t here to tiptoe around the awkward conversations—they’re here to transform them. As an environmental studies teacher turned sex education coach, Byrd built their business on the belief that pleasure is a birthright, confidence starts in the bedroom, and real sex education is long overdue.

In this episode, Emily Merell and Byrd dive into how shame-free coaching helps clients navigate communication issues, low libido, and relationship struggles—without the outdated, fear-based narratives from traditional sex ed.

Emily and Byrd also tackle the unexpected connections between sexual confidence and success in business, how setting boundaries (even a waitlist) is the ultimate power move, and why de-stressing might just be the secret to a better sex life. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or someone just trying to ask for what you need—this episode is packed with insights that go beyond the bedroom.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why is sex coaching different from therapy?
• How does sexual confidence impact business success?
• What’s the connection between stress and intimacy?
• How can women set boundaries in business and relationships?
• What’s missing in traditional sex education?

Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Teacher Byrd [they/them/theirs/elle], a Sex Education and Relationship Coach committed committed to helping diverse singles and partners achieve healthier communication and more intimacy.

Website: https://www.sexedwithbyrd.com/

Instagram: @sxedwithbyrd

Struggling to grow your email list? Learn proven email list-building strategies that every coach needs to know! 🚀 Join the FREE community https://www.readysetcoachprogram.com/

In this episode of the Ready Set Coach podcast, Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith reveal essential email list-building tactics for coaches. With social media platforms constantly changing, building an owned email audience ensures you maintain direct access to potential clients and leads. They compare popular email platforms—including Flodesk, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and Substack—breaking down their pros, cons, pricing, and best use cases. Plus, they share step-by-step strategies to attract subscribers, leverage your network, and create high-converting lead magnets. If you're a coach looking to build, grow, and monetize your email list, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed!

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why coaches NEED an email list (and why social media isn’t enough).

✅ The best email platforms for coaches—Flodesk, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign & Substack.

✅ Smart strategies to grow your email list using social media, events, and partnerships.

✅ How to create high-value lead magnets that actually convert.

✅ The BIGGEST mistake coaches make when trying to build an email list.

🔹 Follow Em & Lex on Instagram: @readysetcoachcommunity

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:45 - Why Coaches Need an Email List
• 03:30 - Best Email Platforms for Coaches
• 07:15 - How to Get Your First Subscribers
• 10:50 - Lead Magnet Mistakes to Avoid
• 14:20 - Social Media vs Email List Growth
• 18:05 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps

In this episode of the Ready Set Coach podcast, Lexie Smith sits down with Ileana Gonzalez of Apurva Wellness to discuss the transformative power of Ayurveda, intentionality, and how small shifts can create lasting change in our lives—a concept she likens to the Butterfly Effect. Ileana shares her journey into Ayurveda, revealing how a spiritual quest led her to discover this ancient practice to cultivate deeper awareness and agency. She explains how small, mindful actions—from nourishment to movement—align the body and mind with nature, creating a harmonious foundation for long-term health.

The conversation delves into how Ayurveda teaches us to tune into the rhythms of nature, from our daily routines to seasonal changes, to make better, more informed decisions for our health. Ileana also highlights the importance of consistency and mindfulness in everyday life, encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward positive change. She shares actionable insights, including how understanding your Ayurvedic dosha can reveal your unique needs and tendencies, setting the stage for a more intentional and balanced lifestyle. With practical advice and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment, this episode is a rich resource for anyone seeking to live with greater purpose and harmony.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What Ayurveda is and how it connects us to the rhythms of nature for long-term wellness.
• The importance of intentionality in shaping your health and lifestyle choices.
• Small, subtle actions—like the Butterfly Effect—can profoundly impact your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Starting healthy habits early can support you through different life stages, including menopause and beyond.
• Ayurveda’s holistic approach helps balance the nervous system and manage hormonal shifts during significant life transitions.
• The role of nutrition and movement in supporting long-term vitality and stability.
• The concept of doshas in Ayurveda and how identifying your dosha can guide personalized health choices.
• Understanding your circadian rhythm can improve sleep, digestion, and overall health.
• The importance of mindfulness in everyday activities—how your morning routine affects your night’s sleep and vice versa.
• Practical tools and tips for introducing Ayurvedic principles into your life, including cooking seasonal foods, committing to consistent wellness practices, and practicing self-awareness.

Listener Links:

• Botanicals Website: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/
• Website: https://apurvawellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apurva_wellness/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ileanabgonzalez/
• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

In this episode, hosts Lexie Smith and Emily Merrell dive into the game-changing ways coaches can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline their content creation process. They discuss how AI can brainstorm ideas, script reels, refine captions, and repurpose existing content into fresh formats. From generating engaging social media posts to transforming newsletters into multiple assets, they explore how AI is a virtual assistant that makes content creation easier and more efficient. Whether you’re hesitant about AI or already using it, this episode is packed with actionable tips on maximizing its potential while saving time.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How AI can help with brainstorming and refining content ideas.
• Repurposing blogs, newsletters, and presentations into engaging content formats.
• Time-saving strategies for batching and scheduling content effectively.
• Tools like Later.com to streamline content planning and posting.
• Overcoming design struggles with Canva, Etsy templates, and Fiverr outsourcing.
• The role of storytelling in building audience connection and engagement.
• Turning coaching session insights and FAQs into valuable social media content.
• Tips for maintaining consistency without burning out.
• The power of automation in simplifying content creation.
• How to maximize your content’s reach with minimal effort.

Listener Links:

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

In this episode of the Ready Set Coach Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Human Design business coach Erin Hines for an insightful conversation on how Human Design can revolutionize coaching. Erin shares her journey into Human Design and highlights how it has transformed her coaching practice by enabling her to create personalized strategies for her clients.

The conversation delves into the practical applications of Human Design in coaching, business, and parenting. Erin offers actionable insights on how understanding energy types can foster stronger workplace dynamics and sustainable practices. Emily and Erin reflect on how tools like Human Design and other personality frameworks provide a holistic view of an individual’s strengths and preferences. This approach enhances client relationships for coaches and ensures alignment in marketing, messaging, and business operations. Whether you're new to Human Design or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode is packed with tips, anecdotes, and inspiration to help you integrate this powerful system into your coaching journey.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Discover hthe uman design and how it combines ancient systems like astrology and the I Ching with modern sciences like genetics and physics to provide a blueprint for your energy and decision-making style.
• Learn about the five main types—Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors—and how each type operates energetically.
• Explore how understanding your human design can inform your coaching style, business decisions, and client interactions.
• Knowing your type, strategy, and authority can clarify and ease your life and career.
• Discover how human design can be applied in the workplace to improve team dynamics, productivity, and communication.
• Insights into how human design can help you better understand and communicate with your children, fostering alignment and ease.
• Learn how to tailor your marketing strategy and messaging based on your design to resonate authentically with your audience.
• Knowing your energy type and flow can help create a sustainable business model and prevent burnout.
• Hear how integrating human design into coaching fosters deeper connections and personalized client strategies.
• Learn how Erin discovered human design, integrated it into her business, and uses it to help coaches build thriving, sustainable practices.

Listener Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedarngood/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hines/
• Website: https://darngoodbusinesscoach.com/
• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com