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The Unscripted Climb

The Unscripted Climb

Written by: Chris Beecham and Natalie Micale
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About this listen

Welcome to The Unscripted Climb. This is the podcast where business gets real and the filters get left at the door.

Hosted by Chris Beecham, a no-fluff entrepreneur who’s sold plasma to keep the lights on, and Natalie Micale, a branding expert who’s built more than her fair share of empires from scratch. We’re here to talk about what actually happens behind the highlight reels.

This isn’t your manifest your best life show. This is for the founders, leaders, and business owners who’ve white-knuckled their way through growth, failure, reinvention, and maybe a public meltdown or two.

Why Listen?

Because behind every shiny brand is a messy middle.
We ask the questions most podcasts won’t

  • What was your biggest screw-up
  • How close were you to quitting
  • And what kept you from walking away

What You’ll Hear:

• Wild origin stories
• Marketing disasters and comebacks
• Real-talk sales advice
• Team dynamics that don’t make it into LinkedIn posts
• And the kind of lessons you only learn after failing hard

Our Vibe?

Dry humor. Sharp insights. Candid convos with zero corporate gloss.

If you're tired of recycled advice and ready for the honest version of entrepreneurship, you're in the right place.

Subscribe and join the climb. Awkward stumbles and all.


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Episodes
  • Mike Smith: From Skateparks to Global Impact

    Mike Smith: From Skateparks to Global Impact
    Dec 30 2025

    Send us a text

    Mike Smith joins The Unscripted Climb to share how he went from sleeping under bridges and building skateparks in malls… to becoming a nationally recognized youth speaker, nonprofit founder, and full-time dad.

    In this episode, Mike talks about his three “lives” — launching youth centers, becoming a top-tier speaker, and chasing his wildest dream of being an international adventure guide. He also breaks down his “compensation model” from Stanford, what AI is doing to creativity, and why Gen Z is struggling to build real memories.

    Whether you're raising capital, raising kids, or raising your standards — this conversation will hit you in the soul.

    —

    Follow the show and leave a review if you’re climbing your own mountain.

    📍 Topics:
    entrepreneurship, youth development, nonprofit leadership, impact investing, public speaking, AI and creativity, parenting, social innovation, lifestyle design, life after burnout, community building, adventure

    💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.
    👉 Perch-Merch.com
    👉 OhHelloAgency.co

    🔗 Connect with Us:

    • Chris Beecham on LinkedIn
    • Natalie Micale on LinkedIn

    Check out our podcast website here

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Shermin Lakha on Branding, Business Law & Bold Pivots

    Shermin Lakha on Branding, Business Law & Bold Pivots
    Nov 13 2025

    Send us a text

    Shermin Lakha isn’t your average attorney—and she doesn’t run average businesses.

    In this episode of The Unscripted Climb, she shares how she grew Level Up Legal and Tiger Tiger Creative Agency without a single paid ad. Instead, she relied on creativity, community, and content.

    From building an all-female law firm focused on IP and startup law, to helping brands and creators close deals through shoppable content, Shamim’s journey is packed with tactical takeaways for entrepreneurs ready to pivot, lead, and grow.

    If you’re tired of playing small—this one’s for you.

    💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.
    👉 Perch-Merch.com
    👉 OhHelloAgency.co

    🔗 Connect with Us:

    • Chris Beecham on LinkedIn
    • Natalie Micale on LinkedIn

    Check out our podcast website here

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Bonnie Blackman on Reinventing Yourself After Failure

    Bonnie Blackman on Reinventing Yourself After Failure
    Oct 30 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, Bonnie Blackman opens up about what happens after the world knocks you down—and how you build something even better. After losing her teaching job, Bonnie transitioned from educator to entrepreneur, creating a publishing business grounded in empathy, passion, and purpose.

    She talks candidly about what it means to fail, how to find your voice again, and why joy isn’t optional—it’s your job to create it.

    Takeaways:

    Failure is part of the path—use it.

    Relationships matter more than résumés.

    Passion-led businesses don’t burn you out.

    Own your happy. It’s not someone else’s job.

    If you're looking for a reason to keep going, this is it.

    💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.
    👉 Perch-Merch.com
    👉 OhHelloAgency.co

    🔗 Connect with Us:

    • Chris Beecham on LinkedIn
    • Natalie Micale on LinkedIn

    Check out our podcast website here

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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