Business For Superheroes

Vicky sits down with Kathy Scott and talks about massage, being quietly rebellious, and writing an award-winning book. Tune in and hear us chat about chipping away at the patriarchy, just getting it done, and what matters to all of us.   Key Takeaways: [1:35] A little bit about Kathy and what she does!  [3:55] Why did Kathy decide to write a book?  [6:35] You don’t need a rags to riches story to get people interested. [7:35] Sick of it all, Kathy left her career and took on a dead-end job.  [12:10] What was Kathy’s writing process like? [15:15] What challenges did Kathy run into as a first time book-writer?  [18:25] What’s Kathy’s book all about?  [21:55] Kathy published her book in December last year!  [24:45] What advice does Kathy have for someone writing a book?  [28:25] Want to know more? Connect with Kathy! Links in the show notes!  [29:40] Remember: No matter what, your story matters!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Creative Book Coaching Join Vicky’s Power Hour Join Vicky’s Masterclass Subscribe

Vicky sits down with Jocelyn Brady, Brain Coach and extremely funny wise owl, and asks: why are our brains such magical things? And also assholes? Tune in to find out how our brains lie to us, live action shots of our two brains getting distracted mid-sentence, and why you need to do the things before you die.   Key Takeaways: [2:10] What is a brain coach?  [4:50] Our brains are filled with lies.  [5:30] Why do our brains create so much resistance when we are starting something new?  [7:40] How did Jocelyn first get into brain science?  [10:25] Diversity of thought is critical to growth, understanding, and compassion.  [12:20] It’s all about getting better at embracing uncertainty.  [14:30] How do you get out of your own way? It starts with asking questions, and you have to keep digging.  [17:25] What we tell ourselves shapes how we show up in the world.  [20:25] You are capable of immense change. We’re very adaptable creatures!  [25:00] Get yourself out there. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations. You wi

Vicky and Joe talk about tiny tales, things that make Vicky cry, and why Joe ruins stories. Vicky has a rant about big dramatic Hollywood blockbuster-style rags to riches stories (especially the ones exaggerated by the bro marketers of the world) and explains why boring stories are not in fact boring at all, and why they’re the only ones that’ll really change the world. Tune in and find out how you can never run out of stories to tell again.   Key Takeaways: [6:40] Vicky and Joe have a very nice patio at Project Dingle! [9:45] We don’t need to go looking for big dramatic Hollywood films to find a good story.  [11:40] What makes a good story?  [13:10] The media tends to focus on the big rags to riches stories, but you can have a ‘little’ story to share and it’ll still make a big impact.  [13:45] Do you think your story isn’t interesting enough?  [15:00] You don’t have to suffer dramatically to create amazing stories.  [17:10] Vicky shares examples of what makes a good story.  [20:35] It’s difficult to change p

For entirely selfish reasons, Vicky interviews the thoroughly lovely Kristin Quiroz Bayona of Explorer In You—and they talk about the absolute joy of podcasting, storytelling, and diversifying the voices we hear. Tune in to find out all about how starting a podcast can help you get more out of your book—and how to get the most out of any interview appearances you might have. Plus a couple of fab book recommendations!   Key Takeaways: [3:25] Who is Kristin and what does she do?  [6:30] Why does Kristin love podcasting?  [10:50] How can writers use their podcasts to increase their visibility?  [11:50] Your podcast could actually be an extension of your book.  [16:15] Kristin shares an author/podcast example.  [18:35] After completing a podcast interview, how can you make the most out of that interaction, and promote it to your following?  [21:55] Why is visibility so important for women and POC?  [23:40] Own your own story and don’t let someone else shape that narrative on your behalf.  [26:00] People are bored

Vicky explains why you don’t need a flea-ridden blanket to write your book, and nor do you need to go to Turkey. Joe looks on in bewilderment and then makes a really good point about decision fatigue and friction. And there’s a brief rant about lying on the internet. This episode also contains baby goats. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [5:45] Vicky has been busy playing with baby goats.  [7:00] Let’s talk about Victor Hugo and his fleas.  [9:25] He was supposed to deliver the book, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, but was too busy partying it up like it was 1830.  [9:40] Vicky shares her experiences of procrastination and how she forced herself to finally ‘write the book’.  [12:35] The brain always wants to do something dramatic and fun, but ultimately, we just need to get the work done.  [15:00] If you don’t have a habit, then every time you do that -thing- you’re just making a decision to do it….which can backfire on you.  [15:50] Many successful people choose to wear the same thing every day. They need their brain to

Vicky and Joe are back after a week off the podcast—and they have plenty to say. Much of it about why Joe has been striding manfully around the estate with a saw. But really, it’s all about the writing: and this week they want to know, which type of writer are you? With a big caveat and a little rant about people on the internet who try to fit you in boxes and tell you that you’re wrong if their stuff doesn’t work. So… which type of writer are you? Just kidding. A bit. Tune in and find out why it doesn’t really matter…   Key Takeaways: [5:30] Casa Dingle update!   [6:40] Vicky just got her first COVID vaccine. Yay! [8:10] What kind of writer are you? [11:00] After listening to the internet about what you ‘should be’ doing, Vicky realized it never really worked for her.  [13:00] Are you the type of writer that needs to plan everything first before you can get started?  [15:30] Not a planner? Don’t worry. You can still make it work. [16:15] Are you a bit of a rambler when it comes to your writing? [18:45] It ca

Are you a structure or a disco person? Rules or anarchy, maaaaaaaan? And what’s all this got to do with outlines anyway? Some say you HAVE to do an outline or what are you even doing? Others say BALLS to outlines, they’re for boring bores. Vicky and Joe? They’d like to share the 9 biggest outline myths—and give you a super-simple, delightfully smart way to structure your writing, even if the idea of structure turns you right off. Sit back and enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [4:10] What’s happening in the Dingle?  [7:45] What are some of the myths about outlines?  [9:35] Outlines do help you with the blank page syndrome.  [11:00] Outlines can change! It doesn’t have to be so ‘written in stone’.  [11:25] Do outlines strife creativity?  [14:50] Do you have to have an outline?  [17:25] You don’t always need to know what you are writing about when you start. [20:05] Publishers and publishing houses do want to see an outline.  [23:15] Approach your book from a ‘reader’s journey’.  [27:35] Vicky is hosting another Write Nig

This week on the podcast, Vicky gets “vulgar” with Yinka: they talk MONEY MONEY MONEY! You know, that thing you’re not supposed to mention in polite society. Amidst much chortling, they open the doors into money mindset, why “charge your worth” is dangerous advice, and how much damage not talking about money does to women. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [3:15] Women and their prices, what’s the problem?  [5:35] When it comes to empowerment, how much of it is your actual choice vs. what you’re perceived/expected to do?  [6:45] How free are your choices?  [7:55] What does it mean to have a good money mindset?  [10:45] Building wealth is seen as shady business, especially for women.  [12:00] Money brings protection, money brings security.  [18:10] What is the difference between western vs. non-western feminism? In Africa, it’s seen completely differently. [23:15] We have to separate our own worth vs. money.  [28:30] How do we have a healthy relationship with money?  [33:00] How did Yinka get into t

Ever wondered why Vicky bangs on about the importance of storytelling? Well, pull up a chair and open your ears and listen: this week, she interviews Black British narrative storyteller and humorist James Pogson. James is known informally as LinkedIn’s poet laureate and this week he spills an entire teapot about why it’s so important we get to hear individual stories and voices, especially from Black people and especially marginalised voices. It might get uncomfortable: that’s cool. Sit with it. Absorb it. Listen.   Key Takeaways: [1:25] This podcast might make you uncomfortable, but it’s an important topic about how Black people are treated in Britain and in society!  [3:00] Why is it so important that people tell their stories?  [4:30] James shares his experiences as a man ‘writing while Black’.  [5:45] Black people are still fighting for their humanity.  [9:40] How do we express our true selves at work and not suppress it?  [11:40] What does James do and how does he help people tell their stories?  [14:00]

Vicky sits down with the One Woman SNL of Biz Comedy, and real-live rainbow, Rachael Kay Albers to talk about everything that’s wrong with the business world, burning it all down, and how we can each start to build a better world and a better way—one tiny beetle step at a time. Tune in for monetising your pain, writing books for good reasons, and what the pandemic has done for creative types (which is all of us).   Key Takeaways: [2:25] Who is Rachael and what does she do?  [5:25] After 12 years of working weekends, even working when her child was born, Rachael found herself burned out and unable to do ‘this’ anymore. [7:15] Rachael decided to write her Me Too letter to her family, detailing the abuse she had experienced by them. She lost friends. [10:25] Rachael is a business comedian, so it made sense that her book would also be a joke.  [12:40] “You need to calm down. You’re being too loud.”  [15:15] Having bad things happen to you is a gift. [18:35] Even the super elite ‘rich people’ aren’t happy. They’re

Oh HAI a well-thought-out podcast episode is waiting for you RIGHT HERE (I know, that's unusual). But first you have to wade through Joe’s new haircut (courtesy of Vicky), vegetable gardens, and pond-water tea. After that, it’s all good stuff: your hosts are talking about why “just be yourself” is the WORST advice masquerading as profundity, and why originality is wildly misunderstood. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [1:50] Just be yourself! What does that even mean?  [5:25] Vicky cut Joe’s hair. He looks like a fancy Sideshow Bob.  [5:55] Why is originality wildly misunderstood?  [7:35] How do you be yourself, like really?  [8:35] Do any of us truly know who we are?  [9:55] Do you compare yourself to others? Well, stop it!  [13:25] What is originality? Vicky shares her definition.  [16:00] Plagiarism is not cool.  [17:35] There are so many people who want to write a book, but they don’t read! What!  [18:55] How do you define and write in your own voice?  [20:55] Take a step back and ask yourself ‘why’ you might agre

After a (very) brief rant about the state of the British gutter press—more to come on THAT front—Vicky and Joe open up Vicky’s toolbox and have a rummage around. If you’re after a magic button that’ll write your book for you, you’re shit out of luck. But if you want an insight into the stuff a writer uses to make it all a little easier, grab a cuppa and tune in. And click those affiliate links, mama needs new houseplants!   Key Takeaways: [5:45] What’s going on at Casa Dingle?  [8:00] Looking for a hack to write your book? [9:35] Why does Vicky like the app Scrivener?  [11:00] Vicky shares some of her favorite writing tools.  [16:10] What are some of Vicky’s favorite productivity tools? [21:00] What tools does Vicky like to publish?  [23:15] Nothing replaces hard work, but you can get organized with it!  [23:25] What are your favorite tools? Let Vicky know!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Order Vicky’s new book! 90-day Book Course Creative Book Coaching Join Vicky’s Power Hour Project Dingle Subscribe o

Join Vicky, Joe, and Joe's hair as they talk about why we lie to ourselves when we say we don't have time. No shade: tune in and find out what's really going on, and how to dig into the reasons that lie beneath that excuse. Also featured in this podcast: angry women, the status quo, and smashing the patriarchy. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [4:30] Update on the dingle!  [7:00] Why do writers don’t write? The biggest excuse is they don’t have time! [9:00] Everyone is busy but there is a deeper excuse underneath that.  [9:55] Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? [11:35] Action causes motivation which causes inspiration and that causes more action and the cycle repeats in a good way! [13:40] Just start by writing 200 crappy words a day! Anyone can do that!  [14:25] Vicky can’t wait to run a writing retreat...in person! [15:35] The world needs to be open and honest. The world needs to talk more about politics, religion, and money without having the family throw food at each other!  [17:15] The ‘angry black w

Vicky sits down with Jill Robinson of Organic Pilates and talks orgasms, incontinence, and testicles to spectacles. We wanted to find out all about Jill’s new book -- why she wrote it, who it’s for, and why this whole conversation is absolutely bloody crucial. We also say the word “vagina”. (Get over it.)   Key Takeaways: [3:40] Who is Jill and what does she do?  [7:00] Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean you have to have an old body or old mind.  [7:40] Why does Jill like to work with perimenopausal or menopausal women?  [10:00] Vicky was around 40 when she could finally comfortably say the word, ‘period’ out loud.  [11:10] Women should work in line with their cycles, and not feel guilty on the days where their bodies just feel ‘meh’.  [13:25] Birth control pills were never actually tested on women.  [17:00] Jill shares why she felt it was time to write a book.  [18:45] How do you find your pelvic floor?  [24:10] There is a very strong connection between feet and the pelvic floor. Jill explains w

Vicky and Joe settle down to talk about plumbing, Joe’s magnificently bouffant lockdown hair, and the bullshit of rugged individualism. Yep: we’re talking about why you need to stop trying to be unique, and instead be uniquely valuable. It’s not as naff as it sounds: tune in to find out why this idea of “uniqueness” may be holding you back from writing your book, and what you want to focus on instead.   Key Takeaways: [5:45] Vicky and Joe have no hot water! [8:45] Vicky hears a lot of excuses as to why people haven’t written their book yet!  [12:20] There are very few idees out there that are truly ‘unique’. What makes it unique is you!  [16:45] You don’t have to be the best in order to write about your expertise. [17:00] You also don’t have to go about this journey alone!  [21:10] The bar to doing good work is so low because very few people actually do what they say they’re going to do.  [23:05] When you bring value that makes you unique.  [24:15] Vicky shares some examples of how you can stand out.  [29:10]

Vicky sits down with Nick Smith, the Financial Navigator, and talks helicopters, backwards cats called Clive, and why he wrote a book about wealth and financial sovereignty. In which we ask: what does financial sovereignty even MEAN? What is wealth, really? And what was it like to write a whole book?   Key Takeaways: [1:45] A little bit about Nick and what he does.  [3:45] We have to overcome a lot of misconceptions about money.  [4:40] Why did Nick write his book? [5:15] We are all facing information overload.  [6:55] What does your rich life look like? [8:55] What did Nick used to do before he became a financial navigator?  [13:10] Why did Nick want to write a book?  [14:45] Nick shares his book writing experience and some of the challenges he faced.  [16:45] What has Nick learned about himself during this time?  [18:25] The hardest part in the writing process was trying to find a structure.  [20:10] Nick needed a second voice in his ear to encourage him and keep him going.  [22:15] How long did it take Nic

Vicky and Joe talk lime plaster, wet TinySheep, and the joys of working with a book coach. Joe wonders what Vicky's coaching process looks like, and is surprised to learn that a finished draft is just one of the fantastic outcomes of working with a coach. Tune in to find out why book coaching is about so much more than the book, and how THIS book coach's process works.   Key Takeaways: [2:25] Joe talks about punctuation and his thoughts on the book, Girl, Woman, Other.  [9:00] Vicky’s write night went really well! Stay tuned for the next one.  [10:35] How does book coaching work?  [12:10] A book coach commitment can be around 6-9 months.  [13:35] Book writing gives you confidence!  [16:55] Vicky breaks down what to expect if you were to work with her.  [20:05] Who does Vicky like to work with?  [21:30] Your book coach should be as excited about your idea as you are!  [22:15] It’s incredibly stressful to put a hard deadline on people.  [25:40] A book is hard work, but it should also be fun.     Mentioned in Th

Behold the application of the word "divot" as insult! Joe, with exciting hair, talks to Vicky about book coaches. Specifically, why you might want to work with a book coach -- and if you do, how to choose one. Tune in for snow updates, real-life coaching stories, and some truths about writing a book.   Key Takeaways: [1:50] Vicky is a book coach, but she can’t coach everyone in the world and wants you to find someone who can help you. [3:45] Vicky loves Girl, Woman, Other!  [6:15] Why does someone need a book coach? [7:15] Good book coaches are not cheap!  [8:25] It’s a scary process writing your book alone!  [9:40] Find a book coach in your genre.  [10:40] Look for a book coach that’s flexible and can coach you through the process. [13:25] Does it seem too good to be true?  [15:05] A book coach needs to be honest and should be able to set the right expectations.  [18:00] Vicky offers suggestions on how to best vet your book coach and see if they’re the real deal.  [20:40] Vicky likes to ask her clients a ser

Tardigrades, fleas, and ants -- oh my! This week, tune in to hear Vicky and Joe discussing the power of tiny things. And marvel at the silky smooth segue into how you ACTUALLY get amazing results (hint: it's not by following those bloody 10X your business overnight bro-hustle-marketer-twats). In this episode, you'll get a simple formula for reaching the end of a year (or even a month) having made more gains than you ever thought possible on your book. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [0:50] Project Dingle update!  [5:05] Vicky got trolled by a Trump supporter!  [7:35] Let’s talk about the power of timing.  [10:50] Just like ants and fleas, habits are tiny, they’re powerful, and they’re consistent.  [12:55] Vicky can’t wait to host another writing retreat.  [14:15] Vicky and Joe try to (badly!) explain compounding interest.  [18:40] You don’t notice the little differences you make everyday, but if you go back on your progress a year ago, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve done.  [21:45] Part of being a writer is th

Vicky and Joe open with a serious message about the absolute shit-show that 2021 week 1 has been so far: learn to spot how the media reports certain things. Listen for it. Look for it. And call it out. Then crack on with writing your truth. In this episode, you'll hear all about inertia and how to defeat it, the power of habits and momentum, and the wonders of a group of people who help you grow.   Key Takeaways: [5:10] Vicky and Joe give you a project Dingle update! [6:50] Happy 2021! Welcome to the third lockdown! And the collapse of America....? [10:55] Vicky is frustrated by how Black Lives Matter protestors were treated (shoot at) vs. what happened on Capitol Hill. [12:15] Inertia is a powerful thing. You can capitalize on this power. [15:55] It's really overwhelming if you have to take on a big goal. This is why you have to break it down into smaller pieces. [18:20] Remember. We are the sum of the people we spend the most time with. [20:00] Vicky has a writing event going on! Save the date Tuesday the 2