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Start the year with a bold recalibration. Trade shiny optics for a strong heartbeat.

In this solo episode, Megan returns to the mic to share the real story behind BNL’s biggest year yet. It wasn’t built by posting more, but by rebuilding from the inside out. The focus is energy, team safety, rooted systems, and a founder voice that refuses to be automated.

The truth?

AI can churn content at scale, but it can’t feel your season, know your nervous system, or honour your values. That gap, that sacred pause, is where human strategy lives. 🦄

We walk through the parts most leaders edit out: choosing stability over spectacle, ending misaligned dynamics, receiving support without shame, and trusting the quiet work that powers real profit. Megan unpacks what “consistency” really means when it’s redefined as inner alignment, team coherence, and intuitive leadership, not just a content calendar.

This episode is a blueprint for the entrepreneur who’s done with performance and ready for presence. You’ll hear how documenting instinct created freedom, why community, not dashboards, is the engine of our growth, and how social media can be a space for real resonance, not just reach.

Looking forward, BNL Media Consulting is scaling through connection, not dilution.

Expect:
→ A spacious podcast cadence
→ Conversations that come from timing, not pressure
→ A path to 7 figures built on depth, clarity, and soul

Because in the age of AI, being human is your edge.
Let’s grow like that.

And if you are interested in learning more about Living In Balance Seminars, which was given a shout out in today's episode, check out -> www.libseminars.com ⬅️

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone recalibrating, and leave a quick review to help other heart-led leaders find their way back to center. 💞

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

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The hottest lights, the quietest mind. We talk about the exact moment a speaker freezes on the red dot and how to turn that panic into poise. With TEDx speaker and coach Stefano Casalter, we unpack the journey from first Toastmasters steps to delivering ideas that actually change people, not just rooms. This is a candid look at setbacks, mentorship, and the frameworks that make audiences lean in instead of tune out.

We start with the origin story. A business loss that led to a speaking breakthrough, a first humiliating Table Topics silence, and the mentor who reframed failure as practice. From there, Stefano takes us inside a great Toastmasters meeting. Prepared speeches, sharp evaluations, and impromptu drills that show how structure builds confidence fast. Megan also reflects on her own TEDx experience with TEDx West Vancouver and asks the question so many speakers quietly carry. Was that intensity normal? And how do you actually prepare for the pressure, not just the talk. Stefano breaks down what most people do not expect and what truly gets you ready for the power of a TEDx stage.

We go deeper into the TEDx process with open honesty. Why many events ban slides, how to internalize a talk word for word while keeping it alive, and what to do when your brain goes blank under hot lights. Spoiler alert, preparation and state control beat perfection, and edits are kinder than you think.

If you are building your voice as a founder, creator, or leader, you will leave with tools you can use right away. Learn the Story Vault method to bank one meaningful moment every day so future keynotes almost write themselves. Train impromptu speaking with two minute prompts that strengthen the connection between memory and message. Craft a through line that makes your big idea concise, useful, and unmistakably yours. The kind curators love and audiences repeat.

We also dig into what separates good from great. Story architecture with real stakes, humor that releases tension, and the small habits that signal calm and credibility before you ever say a word.

Ready to turn fear into fuel and stories into impact? Hit play, then share your biggest public speaking win or wobble. We are cheering you on. If this conversation helps, follow the show, send it to a friend who is TEDx curious, and leave a quick review so more voices find the mic.

Connect with Stefano through these channels:

Website: https://stefanocossalter.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-cossalter-29388137/

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

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Want to rank for “near me,” earn reviews that actually move the needle, and turn social content into search visibility without lighting your budget on fire? Megan sits down with SEO strategist Tiana Mamalick of SMB Marketing School to unpack a clear, human-first playbook for small businesses that want sustainable growth.

We start where most wins begin: Google Business Profile. Tiana explains how the Map Pack works, what categories and service areas to pick, and why precise, location-rich reviews beat clever branding every time. From there, we bridge into social media as a search engine: how bios, captions, and on-screen text now surface on Google, why short videos on your key pages lift trust and time on site, and how local businesses and e‑commerce brands should structure pages differently to capture intent.

AI shows up as a powerful helper, not a crutch. You’ll hear how to use ChatGPT or Claude for outlines, keywords, and meta details then edit ruthlessly to add case studies, specific examples, and your voice. We talk image alt text, neighborhood service pages, and the magic of pairing a two-minute summary video with each important article.

Then we get practical about paid media: the real ROAS ranges to expect today, how to avoid paying for empty clicks, and why tracking conversions, logging leads, and responding fast can save thousands. Tiana shares red flags to watch for when hiring an ads partner and a simple spreadsheet system that reveals long sales cycles you might miss.

Finally, we look ahead: generative engine optimization, voice search, flatter service pages that AI tools can go through, and the enduring power of referrals and community to boost everything online. If you’re ready to be findable, trustworthy, and consistent and let ads amplify what already works then this conversation hands you the steps.

Enjoyed the episode?

Follow, share the link to this episode with a friend who runs a small business, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your feedback shapes future episodes and topics you want us to unpack next.

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

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Are your manual processes draining your creative energy and keeping you stuck in the weeds of your business? This enlightening conversation with systems engineer Jasmine Bayani reveals how entrepreneurs can reclaim their time and mental bandwidth through strategic automation and AI implementation.

Jasmine, founder of Bad Systems and co-founder of Grow Wild Agency, brings her cognitive systems background to demystify how business owners can move from operator to true CEO. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human connection, she reframes it as a powerful tool that "creates space for us to be more human" by handling analytical tasks that consume our limited mental resources.

The discussion explores practical applications that go beyond surface-level AI use, revealing how custom GPTs can maintain your brand voice while automating routine communications, and how connecting OpenAI to your workflow can transform meeting recordings directly into action items without manual intervention. You'll discover why many entrepreneurs resist these changes (hint: it's psychological, not technical) and how to overcome the "illusion of control" that keeps us tethered to inefficient manual processes.

For small business owners, this episode offers particular value by showcasing how AI is democratizing capabilities once reserved for large companies with substantial resources. Learn about affordable CRM solutions like Brevo (with a free starter plan) and Copper CRM that can help organize client data and reactivate past leads without complex implementation.

Ready to stop being the machine in your business? This conversation provides the roadmap to create systems that operate without constant supervision, allowing you to focus on strategic growth and the human connections that truly matter. Connect with Jasmine on Instagram or visit https://www.badsystems.co/ to learn how to transform your bad systems into automated excellence.

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Fly Flamingo, I sit down with Tiana (Sharifi) Taylor, the incredible founder of Exploitation Education, for a deeply real and eye-opening conversation around online safety, digital exploitation, and the hidden realities our youth are facing every day on social media.

Tiana’s background in psychology and counseling led her to frontline work in educating communities about human trafficking and child exploitation. She breaks down just how pervasive—and often misunderstood—these issues are, even in the places we’d least expect.

We dive into the shadows of platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, exploring how predators manipulate features and how figures like Andrew Tate are warping young boys' understanding of masculinity, power, and respect. Tiana unpacks the rise of sextortion and the emergence of deepfakes, revealing just how advanced—and emotionally devastating—these tactics can be for both kids and their families.

This conversation is not about fear. It’s about empowerment. We talk about how to create open, shame-free dialogue with your children, how to build trust, and how to lead with awareness and curiosity instead of control. We even get into things like emoji language and the small-but-mighty ways we can start creating a culture of digital citizenship early on.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares deeply about the safety of our youth, this episode is a must-listen. It's time to get informed, get resourced, and most of all, get connected to the conversation that could truly change lives.

To connect with Tiana directly you can find all her information on her website and of course go give her a follow on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

Send us a text

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been more than a series of sold-out shows—it’s become a cultural phenomenon that has united millions around the world. In this episode, titled "It's Not A Cult, It's A Community: My Reflection of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour," we dive deep into the magnetic power of Taylor Swift and how her authenticity has fostered one of the most connected and supportive fan communities ever seen. Swifties aren’t a cult—they’re a global network of individuals who have found common ground in Taylor’s vulnerability, storytelling, and unshakable gratitude for her fans.

On stage and online, Taylor radiates love, humility, and an almost unmatched ability to make everyone feel seen. From her heartfelt interactions on social media to the way she pours her soul into every performance, Taylor has built a safe space where fans can celebrate their individuality while feeling part of something bigger.

I explore how her dedication to honesty and connection has transcended the traditional artist-fan dynamic, creating a community rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or a curious observer, this episode sheds light on why Taylor’s impact goes far beyond the music—it’s about the love, gratitude, and authenticity that she embodies in every interaction.

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

Send us a text

When October 2024 began I just kept getting this message that it was all going to be about connection. So I took it and ran with it. And the theme continued to roll through this month in ways that I did not anticipate and what I received in return was nothing like what I expected but everything that I knew was waiting for me.

Finding the balance between connecting with others and connecting with myself is hard. What used to serve me no longer does. And what used to never serve me now fills me up like no other.

So, the name of the game was Connection. And I am going to have to say it was pure magic both in business and in my personal life.

Now... I am curious what the theme of November will be! #StayTuned

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄

Send us a text

Oh my goodness. What a journey this wild rollercoaster ride is of being an entrepreneur.

I just came out of another "Dark Night of The Soul" phase which SO MUCH feels like burnout when I am in it. But then on the other side I am a completely different person and my downloads just continue to get so much more clear.

I am never the same person AFTER one of these experiences. And honestly, the last year I've got through a few of these 'pin holes' and it's been expansive and exhausting all at the same time.

In this episode I share with you what just went on for me as well as I chit chat about all the other things that relate to it.

AND of course I do a little plug for Living In Balance Seminars as I could not go through these experiences without their support getting me to the other side and moving forward rather than going backwards. 🩵

Also, the CDM Summit is coming up fast on September 17 & 18th and you should come if you are local to Vancouver, BC and surrounding area!

For my loyal listeners I am giving you 30% off with our code BNL30. 😏

Not everyone is getting access to this but if YOU are a fellow Flamingo you get to experience the abundance too.

Thank you so much for listening. You all inspire me daily and I am grateful for this community. 🦩

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄