The One That Works For You

Hosted by Martha Barnard-Rae + Liv Steigrad

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Latest episode

Jul 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

Two frantic type-As with unreasonably high expectations of themselves on a mission to find that elusive trifecta: fulfilment, balance and success. We explore ways people from all walks of life have built their businesses while they try to work out what success looks like for them. Our biggest lesson? The best life is the one that works for you.

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37 recent

July 20, 202537 min

37. Before you burn your business down with Liv and Martha

Liv and Martha get real about what’s actually underneath those “burn it all down” moments in business.We unpack what happens when you're running on nervous system fumes, how to tell when you’re making decisions from a dysregulated place, and what to try before you set your business on fire (hint: it might involve snacks, naps, or aggressively unsubscribing from half the internet).Here's what went down:How to recognise the signs that you’re making decisions from a dysregulated stateWhy panic can feel like clarity and how to tell when it’s notWhat nervous system regulation actually involves (spoiler: it’s more than deep breaths and lavender oil)The $200 seatbelt story and other meltdown-mode decisionsThe small recalibrations that help when a full rebrand isn’t the answerWhat to try before you bin your business (snacks, naps, and nervous system support)Why The Branding Psychologist is dead and how this new chapter might shift things for you tooWe also mentioned these people/things:Liv’s behind-the-scenes rebrand updates (sign up for raw, unfiltered chaos and clarity)Liv’s websiteLiv’s LinkedIn and InstagramMartha’s websiteMartha’s HyperFocus Week servicesMartha’s Substack: Neurodivergent FeministMartha’s LinkedIn and InstagramVerity BythIf you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

June 29, 202532 min

36. F*ck productivity rules with Liv and Martha

Liv and Martha unpack the ways traditional productivity hacks often backfire for neurodivergent brains. We talk body doubling, strategic spite (yes, really), and what it actually means to build trust in your own rhythm. This is part ADHD deep-dive, part gentle rebellion—and all about creating businesses and lives that work with your brain, not against it.Here's what went down:Why productivity isn’t linear (and never has been)How executive dysfunction gets in the way and why it’s not your fault.Strategic spite(™) as a surprisingly effective motivational toolWhat body doubling really gives us (spoiler: it’s not just accountability)Why habit stacking and time blocking often don’t work for neurodivergent folksWhat trusting your brain looks like and how to build that trust over timeRedefining consistency, motivation, and success on your own termsWhy your brain and body are not separate and why that matters for getting stuff doneWe also mentioned these people/things:Martha’s websiteMartha’s HyperFocus Week servicesMartha’s Substack: Neurodivergent FeministMartha’s LinkedIn and InstagramLiv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn and InstagramIf you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

May 27, 202521 min

35. Navigating change, leadership, and neurodivergence with Amber Anthony

Learn how to navigate the emotional weight of change, why tethering matters (especially when everything feels like a shit show), and how to start preparing leaders to navigate failure with awareness and intention.Amber Anthony is a behaviour specialist, neuro-inclusion consultant, and founder of the Neurospicy Collective. She brings a systems lens to human experience, helping organisations and individuals navigate change in a way that’s actually supportive, not performative.We talk about the messy middle: emotional regulation during destabilising times, the cost of continuous change, and what it means to build your own sense of tethering when external anchors fall away.If you’ve been feeling like you’re rebuilding midair or trying to lead through uncertainty, this one’s worth a listen.Here’s what went down:Why small, ongoing changes hit harder than one big disruptionWhat “tethering” really means and how to build it for yourselfHow to hold emotional space for the in-between moments of changeWhy do we need to stop pretending leaders won’t fail and teach them how to navigate failure with awareness and intentionThe cost of mental load in organisations and how to design with capacity in mindWhy resilience is less about being tough, and more about coming backA different way to frame the emotional impact of systems changeWe also mentioned these people/things:**We had tech difficulties but the rest of this episode was too good not to share. Find the rest of the conversation here—it was too good not to share.Neurospicy CollectiveAmber Anthony’s InstagramMartha’s websiteMartha’s HyperFocus Week servicesMartha’s Substack: Neurodivergent FeministMartha’s LinkedIn and InstagramLiv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn and InstagramIf you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

April 22, 202532 min

34. Broadcasting and balance: How Kirsten Diprose balances family time, passion, and business

Kirsten shares how she went from broadcast journalist to podcasting business owner, building a business that lets her prioritise family time while still helping others share their stories.With Rural Podcasting Co., Kirsten now guides others in sharing their own stories through personalised coaching programs. Whether it’s helping clients launch their first podcast or refining an existing one, Kirsten’s focus is on empowering her clients to confidently step into the role of podcast hosts and share their message with impact.Here’s what went down:How Kirsten transitioned from journalism to podcasting and what sparked the change.The biggest mindset shift from employee to business owner and why it matters.How Ducks on the Pond became the foundation for Rural Podcasting Co.The systems and tools Kirsten uses to balance family life and business demands.How Kirsten plans her week using colour-coded calendars, themed days, and systems to stay on top of business and family priorities.Why flexibility matters to Kirsten as a mother and business owner.How Kirsten uses deadlines as a tool to stay focused and productive without letting them create unnecessary pressure.The challenges and excitement of scaling a service-based business.The importance of trusting yourself when building a new business.Plus, Kirsten shares an exclusive offer for listeners interested in sponsoring Ducks on the Pond. Mention this episode to receive 20% off sponsorship packages.We also mentioned these people/things:Ducks on the PondDucks on the Pond InstagramRural Podcasting CoRural Podcasting Co InstagramTown Criers PodcastTown Criers Podcast InstagramMartha’s websiteMartha’s HyperFocus Week servicesMartha’s LinkedIn and InstagramLiv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn and InstagramIf you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

April 6, 202542 min

33. Why Unmasking Matters in Business with Shan Fitzgerald

Being yourself in business isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a survival strategy. If you’ve ever felt like you have to tone yourself down, sound more professional, or fit into a box that wasn’t made for you, this episode will change the way you think about branding, business, and showing up as your full self.Shan Fitzgerald is a copywriter, brand personality strategist, and autism advocate who believes in building brands that feel human, bold, and unapologetically real. In this episode, she shares her journey of running Wild Spark for the past eight years, navigating business as an autistic and ADHD entrepreneur, and why she built a business where she never has to mask.If you’ve ever struggled with finding your brand voice, running a business that fits your brain, or setting boundaries that protect your energy, this episode is for you.How Shan’s late autism & ADHD diagnosis reshaped her identity, work, and daily lifeWhy she built Wild Spark as a business where she never had to maskHow autistic and ADHD brains are wired for brand voice masteryWhy most brand voice guides are completely useless (and what actually makes one work)How neurodivergence is a superpower for brand strategy and communicationWhy masking in your business leads to burnoutWhy stepping into your brand voice is a game-changer for confidence and growthThe power of pattern recognition and deep empathy in writing copy that resonatesShan’s best advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs building businesses on their own termsWe also mentioned these people/things:Wild Spark Awkward AF Email TemplateShan Fitzgerald’s InstagramMartha’s websiteMartha’s HyperFocus Week servicesMartha’s LinkedIn and InstagramLiv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn and InstagramIf you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

December 3, 202448 min

32. The art of saying NO with Topaz Hooper

Topaz returns to share even more insights about building a life and business on your own terms. From navigating Google as a content strategist to embracing her "soft girl era," Topaz reveals how strategic decisions—like saying "no"—can lead to thriving professionally and personally. Topaz is a copywriter for clean beauty, sustainable fashion, and plant-based products, dedicated to helping cruelty-free brands stand out. In this episode, she continues to inspire with practical advice for balancing work, passion, and life. How to say no strategically without burning bridges How Topaz used her full-time job strategically to build her business Transitioning from a corporate mindset to a freelance lifestyle Why filling your cup first makes you a better professional Topaz’s journey to a 4-hour workday and how it transformed her life Key questions to evaluate if a client is the right fit for you How to embrace the slower seasons in your business Reclaiming your time and energy through intentional choices …and why Topaz says goodbye to the grind We also mentioned these people/things: The Cruelty Free Copywriter website How to work less by Rich Webster (affiliate link) Verity Byth Topaz’s Instagram Topaz’s travel and writing website Martha’s website Martha’s HyperFocus Week services Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram Liv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself. Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

November 17, 202448 min

31. Make your life your own with Topaz Hooper

Topaz squirrelled away tons of knowledge (and dollars) from her time as a Google Content Strategist. Now she’s crafted a business that aligns with her heart’s truest values. Find out how she did it—and how she’s let go of society’s expectations for her to trust herself instead. Topaz offers copywriting services for clean beauty, sustainable fashion, and plant-based products. She’s on a mission to help cruelty-free brands stand out, turn heads, and change the world How Topaz turned her values into a marketable USP Learn how Topaz mined her experience as a Content Strategist at Google to start her own business The power of intentionality and how Topaz puts it to work in her life Find out the best thing Topaz learned at Google Maximise your hours (so you can work fewer hours!) Want to work 4-hour days? Grab Topaz’s advice Find out how Topaz prepared financially to take the plunge into her own business …and get the details on how she manages to travel as much as she wants We also mentioned these people/things: The Cruelty Free Copywriter website Topaz’s Instagram Topaz’s travel and writing website Martha’s website Martha’s HyperFocus Week services Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram Liv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself. Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

November 3, 202450 min

30. Burnout recovery starts with regulating your nervous system with Lisa Hicks

It’s not easy. It’s gonna take ages. But learning to regulate your nervous system is the most powerful thing you can do to recover from burnout. Learn how to build gentleness into your life and your business—so you can live with more self-compassion. Lisa Hicks is an ADHD and Autism coach and a content creator. She’s here to help you learn to support yourself and thrive as a business owner. Lisa shares how her business has changed in light of her AuDHD diagnosis Learn how Lisa prioritises REST as part of burnout recovery How the crazy stuff going on in the world affects your nervous system—even if you think it isn’t How Lisa uses science and psychology to help her teach clients to regulate their nervous systems What to do when self care and hobbies just become another chore How neurodivergence affects executive function and our ability to respond to demands Why Lisa says self regulation is at the core of dealing with burnout How to start if rest is absolutely a foreign concept for you Learn Lisa’s advice for burnout (if you can’t take three years off) Find out if a “low demand lifestyle” could be the answer for your family and/or your business with Lisa’s three key questions Learn Lisa’s best advice for when you’re feeling pressure We also mentioned these people/things: Lisa’s website Creating Capacity-Based Routines Workbook + use code WORKSFORYOU50 Lisa’s TikTok and Instagram Martha’s website Martha’s HyperFocus Week services Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram Liv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself. Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

October 21, 202443 min

29. What losing Survivor taught Liz Wilcox about her business

When Liz took out SECOND PLACE on TV’s Survivor, she felt robbed. And her dysregulation caused her to set some arbitrary business goals that actually made her feel terrible. Find out how Liz came back from this—and how it helped her keep her business as simple as humanly possible. The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker, and the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing. Here's what went down: Liz was first runner up in Survivor and that million dollars was STOLEN from her, people How setting arbitrary business goals can be bad for your mental health…and what to do instead Liz is running her dream business—learn how she keeps it as simple as possible How to prevent your ‘losses’ from destabilising your sense of self Learn the essential questions Liz asks herself before she takes on MORE in her business We also mentioned these people/things: Liz’s website Liz’s Instagram Email Marketing FB group Martha’s website Martha’s HyperFocus Week services Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram Liv’s website Liv’s LinkedIn If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself. Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

August 25, 202438 min

28. Business lessons from a creative multi-hypenate with Aimee Rachael

Aimee shares stories of times she’s failed upwards, and how it has helped her find the work that lights her up. Learn how outsourcing helps her run several businesses in two countries. And how she turns her business stressors into lessons. Aimee Rachel runs Studio 5A, a Melbourne photography and branding studio. Aimee shares how owning multiple businesses taught her more than a university degree Martha trauma-dumps about the times she’s tried to outsource Amiee shares her advice for business owners wanting to outsource How Aimee reinvented her business and herself after Covid The trouble with saying ‘yes’ to everything How life’s ups and downs helped Aimee find the work that truly lights her up Aimee’s website Aimee’s Instagram Martha’s website Martha’s HyperFocus Week services Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram Liv’s website (feat. Aimee’s photos!) Liv’s LinkedIn If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself. Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com