• S3 E9 How Remote Work Enabled Joe Di Grande to Travel the Country with His Wife and Beagle
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of Work From Home Forever, host Don chats with Joe DiGrande, founder of Joe Does Tech Touch. Joe shares his inspiring story of working remotely while traveling the U.S. for nearly two years with his wife and their beagle.

    From navigating Airbnb stays in an SUV to embracing morning fishing as a wellness routine, Joe shows how remote work transformed his life. He opens up about managing ADHD, building a business that helps companies scale through tech automation, and finding the perfect place to settle—South Florida.

    Tune in for insights on flexibility, mental health, and making the most of remote work freedom.

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    • Website: JoeDoesTechTouch.com
    • LinkedIn: josephdigrande

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    40 mins
  • S3 E8 How Pampered Chef Helps Marlee Kivens Achieve Work-Life Balance with Spina Bifida
    Mar 25 2025

    In this inspiring episode of the Work From Home Forever, host Don sits down with Marlee Kivens, a Pampered Chef Independent Consultant who turned a simple kitchenware party into a thriving remote career.

    Marlee shares how Pampered Chef’s accessible products helped her gain independence as a person with Spina Bifida, allowing her to cook without assistance.

    She discusses her transition from in-home demonstrations to fully virtual events, the skills she had to learn—like social media and Zoom—and how working remotely gives her the flexibility to manage her health.

    Marlee’s story is a powerful example of how remote work can empower individuals with disabilities to build successful, fulfilling careers on their own terms.

    Connect with Marlee:

    • Pampered Chef: KivensKitchenKorner
    • Facebook: KivensKitchenKorner⁠

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    38 mins
  • S3 E7 How Remote Work Helped Risa August Manage Her Health and Thrive
    Feb 11 2025

    In this episode of theWork From Home Forever podcast, we talk with Risa August, a speaker, author, and remote work advocate. Risa shares how working from home changed her life, giving her the flexibility to manage a major health challenge while still pursuing her passions. She explains how remote work allowed her to create a schedule that fits her needs, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most.

    We also dive into how remote work helps people balance health, work, and personal goals. Risa gives tips for setting boundaries, staying productive, and making remote work a long-term success. Whether you're dealing with health issues, looking for more flexibility, or just curious about the benefits of remote work, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

    Connect with Risa:

    • Website:⁠RisaAugust.com

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    34 mins
  • S3 E6 Founding Virtual Not Distant: Pilar Orti’s Journey to Support Remote Teams
    Jan 7 2025

    On this episode of Work From Home Forever, Pilar Orti, a writer, podcaster, and the founder of Virtual Not Distant joins us on the show.

    Pilar shared her journey into remote work, which began in 2011, driven by her need to travel frequently to visit family. Initially trained as an actress, Pilar transitioned to remote work, finding comfort in working from home and utilizing coworking spaces when necessary.

    Pilar discussed her experience with coworking spaces, noting the practical challenges such as commuting time, costs, and temperature discomfort. She ultimately found working from home more comfortable and convenient. Pilar has set up a cozy home office with a standing desk and plenty of natural light, sharing the space with her husband, who prefers coworking spaces.

    Pilar emphasized the importance of maintaining work-life balance, avoiding work apps on her mobile phone, and setting boundaries with clients regarding availability. She highlighted the need for understanding individual work preferences and creating a work environment that supports personal well-being.

    In founding Virtual Not Distant, Pilar aimed to support remote teams and small businesses in utilizing online spaces for effective collaboration. She underscored the growing acceptance of remote work and the importance of flexibility in today's work environment. Pilar’s approach to work-life balance and her commitment to creating a supportive remote work culture are central to her philosophy and the success of Virtual Not Distant.

    Connect with Pilar:

    • Website: Virtual Not Distant
    • LinkedIn: Pilar Orti


    Listen to this episode from Pilar's podcast, Adventures in Podcasting, where I was her guest and we talked about my start in podcasting.

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    44 mins
  • S3 E5 Corey Walker: From Marketing Specialist to Instagram for Dummies
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we chat with Corey Walker, a social media agency owner and co-author of "Instagram for Dummies" and "Instagram for Business for Dummies."

    Corey shares her journey from working in a corporate cubicle to running her own successful social media agency from home. The catalyst for her transition was the desire to spend more time with her young daughter, who was in daycare while Corey felt unproductive in her office cubicle.

    Determined to find a better work-life balance, she began freelancing and eventually established her agency, The Marketing Specialist.

    Corey highlights the importance of having a dedicated office space at home and setting clear boundaries with clients to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She discusses how the rise of short-form video content has transformed digital marketing, noting the challenges small business owners face in creating engaging videos. Despite the obstacles, she emphasizes the necessity of leveraging platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with clients and grow their businesses.

    Corey also touches on the importance of maintaining personal connections and taking breaks to avoid burnout. She shares strategies for managing client expectations and stresses the value of networking and continuous learning to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of social media marketing. Throughout the interview, Corey provides practical advice for those considering a transition to remote work, whether for a company or as an entrepreneur.

    Connect with Corey:

    • Website: The Marketing Specialist
    • Instagram: ⁠⁠CoreyCWalker

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    32 mins
  • S3 E4 Stay Fit While You Sit: Ergonomic Tips with Mike Jones
    Oct 22 2024

    On the latest episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, host Don interviews Mike Jones, a health coach, ergonomist, and author of "Stand Up! Upgrade Your Posture and Transform Your Life." Mike has been helping remote workers live and work pain-free for over 15 years. He operates a posture-based practice in Bangkok, Thailand, and works with clients both in-person and online.

    Mike discusses the importance of an ergonomic home office setup, emphasizing the use of tools like posture cushions to promote active sitting and prevent stiffness. He also recommends keeping a yoga mat nearby to encourage regular stretching and mobility exercises. These practices help maintain good posture and prevent pain associated with long hours of sitting.

    Mike shares his journey from solely remote work to a hybrid practice, driven by his desire for face-to-face interaction and the ability to help more people worldwide. He highlights the challenges of balancing a global client base and the importance of setting clear boundaries to avoid burnout.

    To prevent burnout, Mike advises taking regular posture breaks, standing up, and moving around every hour. He also stresses the importance of recognizing signs of fatigue and taking time to re-energize. His book aims to educate desk workers on how to reverse poor posture and improve their quality of life through simple exercises and stretches.

    Mike's clients, especially those in tech, often see significant improvements in their posture and overall well-being through his programs. He underscores the importance of reducing screen time and being mindful of one's physical and mental health to achieve a pain-free, healthier lifestyle.

    Connect with Mike:

    • Website: ⁠MikeJonesToday.com
    • Instagram: ⁠MikeJonesToday

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    31 mins
  • S3 E3 Creating a Kind Workplace: Michael G. Neece on Leading with Kindness
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we interview Michael G. Neece, President of Our Future Is Kind.

    Neece shares his journey and emphasizes the importance of kindness in the workplace. He discusses the advantages of working remotely, including less commuting and more family time, but also highlights the challenges, such as setting boundaries at home. Neece stresses the need for clear communication with colleagues and family to ensure balance.

    He also dives into his company’s mission of building a kinder world through corporate and individual actions. He believes that fostering kindness in work environments leads to better productivity and innovation. His advice includes regular check-ins with coworkers, being proactive in communication, and finding champions within the organization to support you. Neece also emphasizes the value of psychological safety, trust, and empathy in remote work.

    For remote professionals, Neece suggests using tools like a pocket notebook for capturing ideas, managing time well, and maintaining strong team connections through empathy and consistent communication.

    Overall, the interview highlights how kindness can transform both personal and professional lives, helping to create a more effective and harmonious work environment.

    Connect with Michael:

    • Website: Our Future Is Kind
    • LinkedIn: Michael Neece

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    37 mins
  • S3 E2 From Family Therapy to Bestselling Author: Jack Lawrence's Career Pivot
    Sep 10 2024

    On this episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we sit down with bestselling author Jack Lawrence. Jack, a former family therapist, shares how his career took a dramatic turn after selling his private practice and deciding to pursue his passion for writing. With his debut novel Blood Thorn earning the 2023 Fall Book Fest Award, Jack’s writing career took off, allowing him to work full-time from home.

    Jack opens up about the factors that led him to remote work, including his experience with virtual therapy sessions during the pandemic and a desire to spend more time with his family. He also discusses the balance between his creative schedule and family life, managing to blend book tours with family travel.

    A highlight of our conversation is Jack's unique ability to weave his background in therapy into his novels, creating characters with rich psychological depth. Jack’s latest works in the David Thorne series continue to captivate readers, and we get an exciting preview of what’s coming next. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on creativity, work-life balance, and the journey from therapist to award-winning author!

    Connect with Jack:

    • Website: JackLawrenceWriting.com

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    30 mins