I’m joined by Grant Herbel from The Writer's Calling for a thoughtful conversation about using Substack to grow your business, community, and creativity without burning out or getting weird about self-promotion. We talk about writing as a spiritual practice, protecting the practice over perfect consistency, and why Substack creates space for genuine connection. Grant shares a simple, practical approach to using Substack Notes by repurposing long-form writing, plus encouragement for anyone stuck in perfectionism at the starting line. We also explore calling, identity vs. vocation, and how visibility and sales can be acts of service when rooted in the right heart posture.

CONNECT WITH DUSTY:

Website: https://dustyhegge.com

Substack: https://dustyhegge.substack.com

Free Action Planner: https://dustyhegge.com/action-planner

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dustyhegge

CONNECT WITH GRANT:

Substack: https://substack.com/@grantherbel

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Writing and Community Building
02:27 Finding Balance in Consistency and Creativity
04:22 Writing as a Spiritual Practice
08:02 The Role of Substack in Connecting Writers
09:28 Navigating the New Publishing Landscape
11:59 Sales as Service in Writing and Ministry
16:56 The Heart of Visibility and Marketing
19:59 Shifting Perspectives on Self-Promotion
25:45 Utilizing Substack Notes for Growth
28:02 Connecting Through Personal Experience
30:43 Repurposing Content for Efficiency
34:09 Navigating the Nuances of Calling
39:33 The River of Spiritual Life
45:22 Building Community on Substack
50:39 Starting Strong on Substack
55:02 The Essence of SEO and Content Quality
01:00:39 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing
01:10:26 Shifting from Doing for God to Doing with God
01:15:00 Trusting God's Guidance in Our Journey

Send me a text! I'd love to hear what stood out about today's episode.

I’m pulling back the curtain on my 2026 strategy—what I’m cutting, what I’m keeping, and how I’m simplifying my entire business around one clear plan. I break down my 4-part strategic plan framework—visibility, nurture, easy yes, and primary offer—and explain how it all connects inside a streamlined funnel.

And I'm sharing what I'm cutting (which? honestly might be the hardest part)

Looking for business clarity too?? I made you a free challenge to walk you through my ARISE framework to guide you through clarifying your business goals and action steps for this season of your business and life.

JOIN HERE

Want to build your plan? Start with Grounded.

Want accountability to actually follow through? That’s what The Percolator is for.

Dusty's Website | Dusty on Instagram

Let's work together: https://dustyhegge.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hard Decision
01:11 Gratitude and Community Engagement
03:23 The Shift in Business Strategy
04:29 Facing Burnout and Capacity Challenges
09:22 Establishing Boundaries for Growth
13:22 Conversations with Brian: A Turning Point
20:17 Simplifying the Business Model
29:27 The Strategic Plan for 2026

Send me a text! I'd love to hear what stood out about today's episode.

This is one of those “take 15” days—spilled coffee, scattered brain, Christmas chaos - but honestly? This episode is just TOO good to not publish today!!!

I’m sharing my full scheduling framework: how I plan my year, quarter, month, and week, the tools I rely on, and the little systems that keep our family running when time blindness is doing the most.

We’ll cover the mindset (be nice to yourself, build with intention, hold it with surrender), my Google Calendar setup, the weekly fridge notepad routine, and the extra tools that make follow-through easier—without pretending life won’t change mid-week.

Join us at Company Retreat: Deep Work + Deep Rest Sojourn

Get the weekly notepad I use here

The Sylight Calendar (save $20!)

Honeybook (save 40% on your 1st year!)

DUSTY'S WEBSITE

Dusty on Instagram (come say hi and make my whole day!!!!)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Christmas Reflections
00:48 The Importance of Scheduling
03:16 Mindset and Intentionality in Scheduling
06:05 Tools for Effective Scheduling
07:02 Google Calendar: The Master Tool
09:21 Family and Work Calendar Coordination
11:02 No plans days system
12:52 Integrating Honeybook and my personal calendar
15:12 Managing Kids' Schedules
16:54 Planning rest, family time, and vacations first
20:07 Meal Planning and Weekly Systems
24:27 Supplementary Tools for Scheduling
29:24 Action Planner and Task Management
34:22 Flexibility and Adaptability in Scheduling
35:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

Send me a text! I'd love to hear what stood out about today's episode.