The Bubbles Effect

Hosted by Nicole Bernard

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Episodes

304

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Formerly Bubbles & Biz, The Bubbles Effect is where mindset, marketing, and momentum meet. 🔥 Hosted by Nicole Bernard, it’s the bridge between strategy and simplicity (think Jocko Willink meets champagne Fridays) helping business owners grow with clarity, confidence, and a little champagne-fueled inspiration. 🥂

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60 recent

May 5, 20267 min

The Bubbles Effect: Marketing + Mindset Monday (5/4)

What if your next customer isn’t starting on Google… but on social?In today’s Monday Marketing + Mindset episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest shifts happening right now: social-first search. With new data showing that people are moving across 11+ platforms before making a decision, it’s clear that the way we show up online matters more than ever.I break down what this means for your marketing, from the rise of short-form video and platforms like Reddit, to how SEO, PR, and social content all need to work together (not separately). If you’ve been treating social like a standalone task, this episode will shift your perspective.Today's mindset tip is a new concept that really stuck with me: the cost of inaction. Instead of just asking “what if it works?”… what if you actually calculated what happens if you don’t take action?It’s a simple but powerful reframe that might just change how you approach your next move.✨ In this episode, I cover:Why social is becoming the new search engineWhat 11+ touchpoints means for your marketing strategyHow to make your content more discoverable (without doing more)The “cost of inaction” mindset shift and how to apply itIf you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to show up, consider this your nudge.🎧 Tune in and let’s build momentum.Read the entire article here: https://neilpatel.com/blog/social-first-ranking-strategiesJoin us in The Society for $1 for your first month with code: GuestPass 🥂https://stan.store/nbmktg

April 1, 202625 min

The Bubbles Effect: Wednesday Power Hour with Stefan Thomas

What if networking isn’t about selling… but simply starting a conversation?In this week’s Power Hour, I’m joined by networking expert and author Stefan Thomas, and this conversation is such a refreshing reframe on something so many business owners overthink. 😫From working in a shoe shop in the 80s to writing Business Networking for Dummies, Stefan shares how the most powerful business opportunities don’t come from pitching… they come from simple, human conversations. ❤️We talk about why networking feels uncomfortable, what people get wrong, and how to approach it in a way that actually builds trust (and leads to real opportunities). If you’ve ever walked into a networking event thinking “what do I even say?” this episode is for you.✨ This Week’s Focus:Networking doesn’t need to feel forced or salesy.It’s simply the start of a conversation.Why the word “networking” can instantly make us uncomfortableThe real purpose of your 60-second introductionWhy trying to sell too fast actually pushes people awayHow trust is built over time (not instantly)The “half-life of enthusiasm” and why timing matters in follow-upHow modern tools (like social + automation) support relationship-buildingNetworking is the start of a conversation, not a sales pitchYour 60-second intro should lead to the next conversationThis episode is such a good reminder that business (and honestly, life) comes back to connection. When you take the pressure off and just focus on being human, everything feels easier and more aligned.Search The Bubbles Effect Podcast wherever you listenConnect with Stefan and grab his books on Amazon (including Business Networking for Dummies) here: stef@stefanthomas.biz✨ If this resonated, I created a simple playbook to help you take action on what you learn, grab it below.📄 Get the playbook here: https://nb.marketing/podcast

April 1, 20264 min

The Bubbles Effect: Marketing + Mindset (3/30)

In today’s episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m diving into a major story making waves right now, the lawsuit against Meta and YouTube around social media addiction, and what it could mean for the future of platforms, algorithms, and responsibility.But as always, we don’t stop at marketing.This episode shifts into a powerful (and unexpected) mindset moment sparked by something simple: cleaning out my inbox. Scrolling back to 2020 brought up memories from the pandemic... the uncertainty, the challenges, and everything in between and it made me pause and ask:👉 How far have we actually come?Because when you’re in the day-to-day of running a business and building a life, it’s easy to miss your own growth.In this episode, I talk about:The Meta + YouTube lawsuit and why it mattersReflecting on past seasons to recognize growthA simple mindset shift you can implement todayIf you’ve been moving nonstop, building, juggling, and pushing forward… this is your reminder to take a breath and actually look back for a second.You might be further than you think.✨ And don’t forget!! The Bubbles Effect newsletter is going out this weekend with some of the best marketing updates and trends I’ve seen lately. Make sure you’re on the list: https://nb.marketing/resources

March 28, 202635 min

The Bubbles Effect: Classic Bubbly Convo with Elizabeth Grand

What does it really mean to choose joy… especially when life feels heavy? ❤️In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Grandinetti, joy coach, connector, and someone who truly embodies what it means to come back to yourself.We talk about her journey from corporate burnout to building a business centered around helping women rediscover joy, and how becoming a mom completely shifted her perspective on work, life, and what actually matters. ✨This is one of those conversations that feels like catching up with a friend, but leaves you thinking a little deeper.We get into:What “choosing joy” actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s not just a mindset shift)The idea of returning to childlike joy (and why something as simple as blowing bubbles can reset your entire nervous system)Balancing business and motherhood and redefining success on your own termsThe power of in-person connection in a very digital worldSimple tools like visualization and affirmations (including one app you might want to try 👀)Why so many women lose themselves in the roles they carry and how to find your way backWe also talk about grief, growth, and using your life experiences as fuel to step outside your comfort zone and into the next version of yourself.It’s light, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that joy isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you can start practicing today. So grab a glass and let's chat 🥂Connect with Elizabeth here: www.elizabeth-grand.com

March 25, 202629 min

The Bubbles Effect: Wednesday Power Hour with Jen Rulon

What if the next level of your life isn’t about doing more… but rebuilding from the inside out?In this week’s Power Hour, I’m joined by Jen Rulon, a 15-time Ironman athlete turned midlife transformation coach who helps women reclaim their strength, mindset, and purpose in a whole new way. 💪After decades of endurance training, a major life transition, and rebuilding her life in Costa Rica, Jen realized something powerful: women in midlife don’t need another finish line… they need a new foundation.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually looks like to shift from constant striving into something more sustainable, aligned, and fulfilling, especially in your 40s and beyond.Here’s what we get into:Why “more goals” isn’t always the answer (and what to focus on instead)Jen’s 4-part framework: movement, mindset, metabolism, and meaningHow strength training impacts confidence, energy, and longevityThe truth about metabolism, nutrition, and intermittent fasting for womenHow your physical health directly impacts your business, energy, and daily lifeSimple ways to start rebuilding from the inside out, without overwhelm3 simple takeaways you can start today:Start with movement → even 10 minutes counts (walk, dance, just get moving)Shift your mindset → try the “mirror exercise” and give yourself one compliment dailyCreate space to process → journaling (or voice notes) to reconnect with yourselfThis episode is a reminder that you’re not behind… you’re evolving.And sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is come back to yourself.✨ If this resonated, I created a simple playbook to help you take action on what you learn, grab it below.📄 Get the playbook here: https://nb.marketing/podcastConnect with Jen here: https://jenrulon.com

March 23, 20265 min

The Bubbles Effect: Marketing + Mindset Monday 3/23

This week, I’m diving into a few new Instagram updates… and a mindset shift that’s been on my mind.On the marketing side, I’m talking about what Instagram is testing right now.They’re experimenting with links in captions (finally 🥳), but there’s a catch... you have to be Meta verified, and you only get a limited number per month.I’m also hearing (from IG's CEO) that adding music to carousels can help boost reach, and trial Reels are getting pushed pretty heavily right now.So if you’re creating content, these are a few things I’d start testing this week. 💅And then on the mindset side, this is something that came to me on a run…I kept thinking about what actually happens when we show up.And I’m realizing that it’s kind of both everything and nothing at the same time.Because yes, people notice, but not in the way we think they do.Most people aren’t paying as much attention or judging as much as we think… and that’s actually a really freeing place to operate from. 🙌So if you’ve been holding back or overthinking showing up, this is your reminder to just do it.Because the growth you’re looking for is on the other side of consistency (and a little bit of fear), not perfection.That’s what I’ve got for today.Short, simple, and something you can actually use this week.I’ll be back on Wednesday with a new Power Hour episode.And remember… just like bubbles, we rise to the top. 🥂

March 21, 202640 min

The Bubbles Effect: Classic Bubbly Convo with Kate Hendrickson

In this episode of The Bubbles Effect Podcast, I’m sitting down with Kate Hendrickson, and this one feels like the ultimate catch-up moment because we actually went to high school together (we’ll just… not do the math on how long ago that was 😂).Kate’s career has taken her through so many different lanes, from TV and film to hospitality, corporate consulting, entrepreneurship, and now writing her own books, and we talk all about what it looks like to evolve, pivot, and trust yourself along the way.This convo really feels like sitting down over a glass of champagne and just talking life, business, and everything in between (because we did 🥂). We chat burnout, entrepreneurship, leadership, and those moments where you realize… okay, something needs to change.Kate also shares how she left a decade-long consulting career, started her own business, and followed that creative pull to finally write and publish her first book (which is such a fun, feel-good story you’ll want to grab). ❤️And of course, we mix in all the fun stuff too, brunch, favorite drinks, comfort shows, social media as moms, and travel dreams.In this episode, we chat about:Career pivots and not staying in just one laneTrusting your gut (even when it’s scary)The real side of entrepreneurship (including the lonely parts)Leadership, growth, and common business mistakesWriting, publishing, and putting yourself out thereBrunch, bubbles, and our go-to comfort showsIt was so fun to have a conversation with an old friend! Easy, real, and full of those little moments that make you think.Pour something bubbly and come hang out with us 🥂Connect with Kate here: https://www.kate-hendrickson.com

March 19, 202629 min

The Bubbles Effect: Wednesday Power Hour with Nat Schooler

What if your biggest advantage in business right now isn’t "better marketing" … but a clearer, more authentic personal brand?In this Wednesday Power Hour, I’m joined by Nat Schooler, founder of Monday Influencer and former IBM Futurist, whose career journey spans everything from working in a family wine business to building authority in tech, branding, and AI. 🍷🤖This conversation really centers around one key idea: in a world where AI can create almost anything, being real and clearly understood is more valuable than ever.We talk about why personal brands often outperform business brands, how to actually stand out in a crowded space, and why so many entrepreneurs overcomplicate their messaging without even realizing it. 😤Nat shares simple, practical ways to start building your brand today, along with insights on credibility, consistency, and how to take control of your online presence instead of letting it happen by default.We also dive into:• Why simple messaging is one of the most powerful tools you have• The three things every strong personal brand needs: clarity, differentiation, and credibility• How authenticity is becoming a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world• Why you already have a personal brand (whether you’ve built it intentionally or not)• How to move through imposter syndrome and start showing up with confidenceIf you’ve been overthinking your brand, second-guessing how to show up, or feeling like you’re blending in… this is a really helpful reset.Grab your coffee and join us for this real, practical conversation.You can learn more about Nat and Monday Influencer at: https://mondayinfluencer.com👉 Ready to put this into action? Grab this week’s corresponding Power Hour Playbook here: https://nb.marketing/podcast

March 17, 20269 min

The Bubbles Effect: Marketing + Mindset 3/16

Hey y'all, it’s Monday, March 16th, and you don't want to miss today's short episode! I dive into one of the biggest shifts happening in marketing right now: entity-based SEO. If you’ve been hearing that phrase pop up lately, you’re not alone. I shared an article about it in Saturday’s newsletter (which, by the way, goes out bi-weekly if you want in), and it ended up being the most clicked link so clearly this is something we all need to be paying attention to.Here’s the simple version: SEO is no longer about just using the right keywords, it’s about being understood.Search engines and AI are now asking:Who are you?What do you do?And how do you connect to everything else online?I chat about how Google is essentially building a “map of the world” through entities (think: people, brands, ideas), why keywords still matter (but aren’t the whole strategy anymore), and how the future of SEO is really about topic authority, depth, and connection.If your content still feels like a collection of random posts… this episode is your sign to shift into building a true content ecosystem.Because the businesses that are going to win?They’re not the ones using the “right” words.They’re the ones that become known for something.Then we shift into a little Monday mindset moment, because, real life.I’m sharing a very real behind-the-scenes of recording this episode… multiple times… with my microphone off 🙃 and how that kind of perfectly reflects the season I’ve been in lately.Transitions. Friction. Things not going as planned.And just a reminder that not every week is going to be perfectly dialed in, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely off track either!Sometimes it just means you’re in a different season. Or in between seasons. So this is your reminder to give yourself a little grace, take a breath and remember how strong you are ❤️As always, if you need someone to talk it out with, marketing or mindset, I’m here!And I’ve got two really good episodes coming out this Wednesday and Friday, so stay tuned for those.Thanks for being here, have a great week and I’ll talk to you soon 🥂Read the full article here: https://neilpatel.com/blog/entity-based-seoGet the newsletter here: https://nb.marketing/resources

March 7, 20261 hr 9 min

The Bubbles Effect: Classic Bubbly Convo with Jessica Lerner Halprin

What happens when a recovering attorney becomes a tech founder…and builds a business around celebration? 🥂In this Friday Bubbly Convo, I’m joined by Jessica Lerner Halperin, founder of Swankey, a party-planning app designed to bring more ease, joy, and calm back to life’s celebrations.Jessica shares her journey from a lifelong legal career into entrepreneurship after navigating deep grief, the loss of her mother, the pandemic, and a major life pivot she never saw coming. What started as a frustration with how chaotic party planning had become turned into a bigger mission: helping people celebrate the small things, the big things, and everything in between. ❤️We talk about resilience, building a business later in life, stepping outside your comfort zone, why founders today have to show up online, and how social media and marketing have changed so much in just the last few years. We also get into the emotional side of celebration, why perfection is overrated, and how people remember how you made them feel far more than the napkin color.Jessica is thoughtful, funny, wildly smart, and yes… she also gave us some unexpectedly helpful “party therapist” legal wisdom along the way.In this episode, we cover:Jessica’s pivot from corporate attorney to tech founderHow grief and the pandemic reshaped her pathThe story behind Swankey and why she built itWhat founders need to know about marketing todayWhy people want to connect with the face behind the brandHow to celebrate meaningfully without the pressure of perfectionA few smart things to keep in mind when working with vendorsThis one is for the entrepreneurs, the hosts, the pivots-in-progress, and anyone who could use a reminder to celebrate life while we’re living it.Connect with Jessica + Swankey here: www.swankey.com