#actuallyican: real talk for women entrepreneurs by Katy Ripp

This episode is exactly what the title promises: a bit more personal.

This week, I am re-releasing one of my favorite conversations from the #ActuallyICan archives. I sat down with Alanna from Good Mourning to talk about what it really means to create a meaningful and personal end-of-life celebration that truly reflects who we are and how we lived.

We’ve all been taught to keep it all together and smile through the chaos, power through the pain, and keep performing even when life feels impossible. 

We were taught that strong leaders never cry, never rest, and never let anyone see the cracks. But what if the real power in vulnerability is what makes us stronger, not weaker?

I used to believe that if I just followed the business playbook, I would finally get it right. Someone always had the perfect plan, the proven steps, the secret formula. But the truth is, the business playbook was never written for women like us. It left me exhausted, second-guessing myself, and completely out of alignment.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I manifest?” or wondered whether the Law of Attraction is just a little too woo-woo to work in the real world, this episode is for you. 

We’ve all been taught that business is a battlefield, that someone else’s win means our loss. But that rule was never written for us. In this episode, I’m tearing down the competition rule and replacing it with something far stronger: collaboration, connection, and community.

For decades, women have been told to stay polished, professional, and detached in order to be taken seriously. But the truth is, that old keep it impersonal rule never really served us. The new rules for women in business are about authentic leadership, connection, and humanity.

We’ve all heard it: polite people don’t talk about money. But for women - and especially for the female business owner - that rule has fueled decades of money shame and silence. In this episode, I’m breaking the “don’t talk about money” rule wide open.

Are you tired of playing small in your business?

What if I told you that hustle culture is actually keeping you from the very success you’re chasing? 

You know it as well as I do: hustle culture is toxic. 

Are you running your business like you still have a boss? 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I manifest?” or wondered whether the Law of Attraction is just a little too woo-woo to work in the real world, this episode is for you. 

Ever feel like your relationship with money is more emotional than logical? 

Thinking about quitting a job to start a business but paralyzed by fear and “what ifs”? You're not alone.

Not sure what’s next when it comes to building your business? Here’s how to get re-aligned at any stage of your journey. 

Ever find yourself wondering, is email marketing still effective?—or are we just supposed to dance on reels forever? 

Feeling overwhelmed in your business? 

Have you ever felt like you were meant for more—but didn’t know how to get there without losing yourself in the process?

Ever felt like the moment you start seeing business growth, things suddenly feel harder instead of easier? 

Ever felt like you were outgrowing something you once loved—but letting go felt impossible?

What if you’re doing everything “right” but still feel out of alignment?

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? 

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, what do you really want in life? 

Have you ever felt like you’ve checked all the boxes—career, family, responsibilities—but something still feels off? 

Have you ever felt stuck in a job that’s draining your energy and leaving you wondering if it’s possible to start a new career? 

Ever found yourself Googling "how to start a business from scratch", wondering if you can actually turn your passion into a career? 

Ever felt like life threw you a curveball so hard it knocked the wind out of you? 

Ever feel like your life is one big, epic story? Well, spoiler alert: it totally is! 

What if the roadblocks in your life weren’t holding you back, but were actually setting you up for a breakthrough?

Have you ever thought, “I want to get sober”, but felt stuck on where to start? Or wondered about the benefits of getting sober? 

Have you ever felt the pull to change your life, but fear held you back? 

Have you ever had a year so wild it felt like you were living in a sitcom? That was my 2024, and let me tell you—it was a ride! 

All families have a little bit of craziness in them—especially during the holidays.

Have you ever felt stuck between what life “should” look like and what it actually is? 

Is SEO worth it for small businesses, or is it just another digital buzzword? 

Have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt at home—like it was designed just for you? 

Ever feel like your curiosity pulls you in a million directions, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever “settle down” on just one thing?

Have you ever felt the pull to follow a passion, only to hear that little voice whisper, “I’m too old” or “What if I can’t do it?”

Does winter ever feel like it's got you in a grip of gray skies, cold mornings, and an endless case of the blahs? 

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seemed impossible to escape? 

You’ve probably heard some of the rumors: “If I’m an organ donor, doctors won’t try as hard to save me” or “I can’t have an open casket funeral if I donate my organs.” 

In this episode, I sit down with Holly Lovell, a real estate powerhouse who proves that genuine connections—not just transactions—are what truly drive success.

Ever feel like your finances are a chaotic swirl of receipts, spreadsheets, and panic? I’ve been there.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the endless loop of dieting and self-criticism? 

In a world where societal norms often dictate the "right" way to build a family, it's refreshing to hear stories that challenge these conventions. 

What if we stopped running from death and started embracing it with humor, heart, and authenticity? 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform your life from the ground up? 

Have you ever felt trapped in a job or lifestyle that no longer serves you? 

We all have stories that we tell ourselves. 

You've probably heard all the stereotypes about homeschooling—you know, the socially awkward kids who spend their days sewing socks in long skirts and bonnets. But let’s be real, that’s not what modern homeschooling looks like.

Ever found yourself dreaming about starting something new, but the fear of failure keeps you stuck?

Have you ever felt like you’ve lost touch with who you are, and you’re not sure how to find your way back? Us too. 

Finding the balance between being a great leader, without feeling like an asshole can be a tough nut to crack, especially for ambitious women.

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly attract success and happiness into their lives? Spoiler alert - it’s manifestation. 

Have you ever faced a challenge so immense that it felt like the world was crumbling around you? 

Ever wondered how a single decision can completely transform your life? 

Ever feel like you’re back in middle school when navigating friendships? You’re not alone...

What if life's greatest challenges became the catalyst for your most authentic and joyful living?

Ever had a plethora of great ideas, but felt too much like an imposter to actually take action on them?

Have you ever felt like you're living someone else's life, just going through the motions? Well, you're not alone. 

Welcome to #ActuallyICan, the podcast for ambitious modern women who are ready to break free from societal norms and design life on their own terms. I’m your host, Katy Ripp, a lifestyle coach, business mentor, and serial entrepreneur.