A major theme throughout the episode is the difference between interviews and real conversations. Patricia explains why Built This Way works best when guests are willing to be vulnerable, honest, and human, rather than polished or performative. She reflects on how the strongest episodes are never about perfection or credentials, but about people sharing real experiences, struggles, and lessons learned.

The episode also features unforgettable moments from seeing Gavin Rossdale of Bush and Stevie Nicks live in concert, reminding listeners how quickly perspective can shift during difficult seasons. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about creativity, stress, vulnerability, and learning to embrace both the chaos and beauty of life.

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

They dive into the challenges veterans face when transitioning into civilian life, including navigating the VA system, accessing benefits, and rebuilding identity after service. Donna shares her experience working with veterans through Let’s Talk Vets, helping individuals find support, purpose, and direction.

This conversation also unpacks how trauma impacts both mental and physical health, why setting boundaries is essential for personal growth, and how individuals can begin reclaiming their power after years of prioritizing others.

If you are interested in personal development, mental health, veteran support, or learning how to set stronger boundaries in your life, this episode delivers real, actionable insight.

🎧 Topics covered:

• Life after the military and veteran transition
• VA benefits and support systems
• Mental health and trauma recovery
• Boundaries and self-worth
• Personal growth and healing

Listen now to discover how to move from survival mode into a life of clarity, strength, and purpose.

VA Resources – https://www.va.gov

Donna McClendon Let's Talk Veterans Instagram @letstalkveterans

Intro & Connection
Military Experience
Life After Service
Veteran Support Systems
Boundaries & Healing
Trauma & Health
Retreats & Growth
Closing Thoughts

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Together, they explore workplace culture, the difference between managing and leading, and how true leadership is built through connection, accountability, and authenticity.

This conversation is a reminder that reinvention is always an option and that the life you want doesn’t have to wait.

Intro & Guest Background
Corporate Career & Leadership
Early Retirement & Reinvention
Workplace Culture
Leadership & Accountability
Entrepreneurship & Identity
Closing Thoughts

@DangerousDirkHandlin

Dirk.handlin@outlook.com

Dj_Dirk@yahoo.com

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

• What SEO really means and how it impacts your business
• Why most websites fail to generate traffic and leads
• The difference between SEO and paid advertising strategies
• How to optimize your website for better search rankings
• The role of AI in modern marketing and search behavior
• Common SEO mistakes business owners make
• How to build a sustainable digital presence that drives results

Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or marketer, this episode provides practical insights into improving your website, increasing organic traffic, and turning visibility into real business growth.

If you’re not actively working on your SEO strategy, you’re missing opportunities to be found by the people already searching for what you offer.

Intro & Guest Background
What SEO Really Is
Why SEO Gets Ignored
SEO vs Ads
Website Conversion
AI & SEO
Closing Thoughts

🔗 Relevant Links

• Odin Agency – https://odinagency.co.uk
• P.  Muellen & Associates, LLC -
• https://pmuellenandassociates.com
• Google Search Central – https://developers.google.com/search
• Yoast SEO – https://yoast.com
• Rank Math – https://rankmath.com

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

We real talk about whay motivation "haters" provide when they ask questions like "What are you doing now?" and unpack one of his biggest business risks, a multi-million dollar development during the 2008 financial crisis, and the lessons that came from navigating loss, partnerships, and starting over. Dan also breaks down the realities of being in the HVAC Industry, the importance of asking hard questions early, and why helping people, not just making money, has been the foundation of his success.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone building something from the ground up who wants an honest look at risk, failure, growth, and long-term success

00:00 – Starting over and learning through failure
02:00 – Introduction to Dan Crist
06:30 – Early entrepreneurial journey
12:00 – Restaurant ownership
22:00 – Biggest business risk
30:00 – Financial collapse and lessons
44:00 – HVAC business realities
52:00 – Helping people first
58:00 – What success really means
01:05:00 – Closing thoughts

Want to connect with Dan? 

@dannyvcrist

https://centsiblemichigan.com/

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

The conversation takes a turn into something even deeper when we explore ADHD, focus, and productivity. Instead of viewing ADHD as a limitation, we reframe it as a superpower when paired with organization. Sticky notes, color coding, calendars, and structured systems become the backbone of managing multiple businesses and responsibilities. We realize that in today’s world, where attention spans are shrinking, everyone is navigating some version of distraction, making structure essential for success.

We also dig into the trap of people-pleasing and how it quietly derails progress. Saying yes too often leads to burnout, misalignment, and lost time. The real breakthrough is learning to prioritize ourselves without guilt. We recognize that helping others is meaningful, but not at the expense of our own growth. Discipline, boundaries, and clarity allow us to stay aligned with what actually moves our lives forward.

J'Que’s story adds another layer of depth, especially as she shares her journey from being a stripper to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Her upcoming book, From the Pole to the Palace, represents transformation, faith, and reclaiming control of one’s life.

We close on the idea that success is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right things consistently. When we align our actions with our purpose, build systems that support execution, and protect our time, we create momentum that compounds over time.

• Defining Serial Entrepreneurship
• ADHD as a Superpower
• Systems, Structure & Execution
• The Danger of People Pleasing
• Building a Life Around Your Priorities
• Personal Transformation Story
• Podcasting & Content Creation
• Final Takeaways

Find J'que on Socials: @jquenow

Healthy Living & Wine Podcast –https://www.jquenow.com/new-page-1

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

From there, we follow her leap into content creation and the bold decision that changes everything. What begins as a social media opportunity in Los Angeles quickly becomes far more complex and painful than expected, and Manon speaks candidly about the trauma, isolation, and survival instincts that shape her next chapter. Instead of going back home defeated, she decides to stay, rebuild, and bet on herself with nothing but grit, instinct, and a refusal to quit. We talk about her first roommate situation in LA, finding work however she can, building her own network, reaching out to brands and creators directly, and slowly creating the career and life she once only imagined from afar. She reminds us that success rarely arrives in a straight line and almost always comes with setbacks, reinvention, and hard truths.

We also dive into social media, visibility, and what it means to be seen publicly in a way that is not always fair or complete. Manon shares her perspective on being portrayed on reality television, how she handles criticism, and why she chooses authenticity over trying to control everyone’s perception of her. At the heart of this episode is a powerful message: we do not have to wait for permission, perfection, or the right timing to start building. We have to trust ourselves, find our people, and keep going, even when the path looks nothing like we expected. This conversation is about resilience, identity, collaboration, and the bravery it takes to keep becoming who we are meant to be.

00:00 Welcome and why this episode means so much
01:00 Introducing Manon Berryman
03:00 How social media brought us together
07:00 Growing up in the south of France
11:00 Early ambition, real estate, and dreaming bigger
17:00 The leap to Los Angeles
20:00 Trauma, survival, and starting over
26:00 Building a career from scratch in LA
33:00 What resilience really looks like
36:00 Advice for anyone doubting themselves
41:00 Why slowing down matters too
44:00 Choosing deeper conversations over surface-level content
48:00 Reality TV, perception, and authenticity
56:00 Finding your people and trusting your path

00:00 Why this conversation matters
01:00 Meet Manon Berryman
03:00 From online connection to real friendship
07:00 Childhood, family, and ambition
11:00 Real estate and wanting more
17:00 Moving to Los Angeles
20:00 Surviving trauma and choosing herself
26:00 Building her brand and career
33:00 Reinvention and resilience
36:00 Advice for women chasing more
41:00 Slowing down without giving up
44:00 The power of real conversations
48:00 Reality TV and reclaiming your story
56:00 Final thoughts on courage and community

Instagram | TikTok: @manonberryman

Berry Brand Agency – www.berrybrandagency.com
Massalia Beauty – www.massaliabeauty.com
90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way

Instagram | TikTok: @patriciamuellen @builtthiswaypodcast @pmuellenandassociates

P. Muellen & Associate  – www.PMuellenandAssociates.com 

90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Patrick shares his own story of how PJT Ventures started, from a 20-year radio career to a major run of setbacks: a construction business shutdown during COVID, losing his mom, multiple surgeries, and then a serious car accident. After getting ghosted in job interviews, he decided to bet on himself and build his own company. Patricia highlights what people often miss: success is rarely clean or linear, and it only takes one yes to change everything.

We wrap with practical podcast truths. Audio is king for connection, video is fuel for reels, and consistency matters more than quantity. Most podcasts die early, but if you build a cadence and keep showing up, you win. The bigger message is simple: if you’ve got something to say, you should start, and if you want it done right, get support so you can stay focused on your voice, your mission, and your audience.

www.pjtventures.net

00:00 Intro and “we’re back” energy
01:00 Why Patricia wanted Patrick on the show
02:00 Starting a podcast is scary, even with great equipment
03:00 Radio days and the first time we met
08:00 Authenticity vs overly produced media
12:00 Why podcasts build real connection
15:00 How Patricia preps episodes and outlines
20:00 Patrick’s story: setbacks to starting PJT Ventures
27:00 Consistency, confidence, and why people quit
39:00 Audio vs video and why reels matter
51:00 Cadence, analytics, and long-term growth
58:00 Final advice: start the podcast, get support

00:00 Welcome back and why this episode matters
01:00 The producer-host relationship and trust
03:00 Radio roots and full-circle moment
08:00 Real talk: authenticity wins
12:00 Why podcasting creates connection
20:00 Patrick’s journey into entrepreneurship
27:00 The truth about podcast consistency
39:00 Audio, video, and content strategy
51:00 Growth mindset and publishing cadence
58:00 Wrap and call to action

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

We talk about boundaries. It is not up to other people to enforce our boundaries. It is up to us. If we do not communicate them, we cannot expect others to read our minds. We acknowledge the tendency to people-please and the guilt that comes with saying no, even when capacity is gone. But protecting our peace, our business, and our family requires clarity and enforcement.

We also explore the need for tangible completion. In a business where nothing ever truly feels finished, we sometimes create projects just to experience the satisfaction of “done.” Whether it is building something, cleaning something, or finishing something physical, completion restores control when everything else feels open-ended.

We recognize the season we are in. Everything feels loud and demanding. But strength shows up in steady leadership, not just in pushing harder. Sometimes leadership means holding things steady instead of accelerating. Sometimes it means accepting imperfection, delegating, communicating clearly, and taking care of ourselves before we burn out.

We end by reminding ourselves that we are stronger than we think. Chaos reveals capacity. And growth often hides inside the weeks we barely survive.

Almost not recording
Chaos at home
Business still running
Systems and strategy
Imperfection and delegation
Support networks
Boundaries and people pleasing
Leadership under pressure
Closing thoughts

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Together, we dig into the difference between strategy and tactics. We emphasize that strategy is not the flashy part, but it is the part that prevents wasted time, wasted money, and chaotic decision-making. We talk about how businesses often chase short-term wins, shiny marketing trends, or vanity campaigns without stopping to ask what success actually looks like. We stress that real marketing requires planning, consistency, and understanding customer behavior, including different sales cycles and decision timelines.

We also discuss how digital marketing changes the game through trackability, A/B testing, landing pages, and sales funnels. We explain that a landing page is a decision page, not a full website experience, and that marketing is often about nurturing relationships, not forcing immediate conversions. We highlight that marketing is never truly “done,” and that the long-term investment matters more than quick bursts of activity.

Beyond marketing, we talk about leadership, humility, curiosity, and the value of dissenting opinions. We reflect on how diverse perspectives make strategies stronger and how uncomfortable truths are necessary for growth. We even touch on the importance of knowing when to fire clients, protecting both the professional relationship and the work itself.

Finally, we expand into mindfulness, coaching, and the personal side of business. We remind ourselves that success is not just task completion, but building a life and business that are sustainable, grounded, and meaningful.

Seth M. Avergon has over 25 years of experience, and has held key positions at Citizen, DENSO Automotive, Rain Bird, World Tableware, and RSI Home Products. His enthusiasm, leadership and creativity have been the driving force behind dozens of successful product launches and marketing campaigns.

Seth is an acknowledged expert in both B2B and B2C marketing strategy, and is the recipient of numerous professional accolades, including a Trailblazer Award. He is also a sought-after speaker and editorial source on brand and business strategy.

​​Seth holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, and a master’s degree in International Studies from George Washington University with specializations in International Business and International Law.

00:00 Welcome back + real life behind the scenes
01:30 Introducing Seth Avergon
03:40 How relationships create opportunity
05:40 What Avergon Marketing Group does
07:30 Strategy vs tactics in marketing
10:50 Why clients chase shiny objects
13:30 Short-term wins vs long-term planning
16:20 Sales cycles and customer timing
18:50 Consistency beats chaos in marketing
25:40 Target story + digital marketing evolution
29:10 A/B testing and landing pages explained
32:15 Funnels, nurturing, and qualified leads
37:40 Using AI wisely in business content
46:00 Collaboration + dissenting opinions
52:20 Strategy must adapt as life changes
59:00 Biggest mistakes businesses make
1:04:30 Knowing when to fire clients
1:10:20 Seth’s coaching + mindfulness work
1:14:00 Meditation and breathwork as tools
1:17:00 Closing reflections + where to find Seth

Welcome back + strategy continuation
Meet Seth Avergon
How collaboration happens organically
Strategy over tactics
Marketing consistency and planning
Digital testing, funnels, and landing pages
AI as a support tool, not a replacement
Leadership, dissent, and better decisions
Budgeting and common business mistakes
Firing clients and protecting the work
Mindfulness and coaching for business owners
Final takeaway + guest links

Avergon Marketing Group – https://avergonmarketing.com

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

We break down what strategy actually looks like in practice. We talk about understanding your market, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, identifying opportunities and threats, and using honest data instead of guesses. We explain why KPIs, cost per lead, cost per acquisition, and budget awareness are not corporate fluff, but survival tools. If you do not know where your customers come from or what they cost, you are gambling, not marketing.

We acknowledge the reality that plans change. Life happens. Markets shift. Platforms evolve. What worked ten or twenty years ago no longer applies. The businesses that survive are not the ones that never change, but the ones that adapt without losing their core identity. Strategy must be flexible, reviewed regularly, and paired with reactive planning for unexpected disruptions.

We also get personal and real about mistakes. We share how even our own business plan changed dramatically, how services were cut back, how hiring support became necessary, and how this podcast itself was never part of the original strategy but evolved into a powerful long-term marketing tool. We emphasize that strategy does not guarantee success, but it gives you clarity, confidence, and a place to recalibrate when your business starts running you instead of the other way around.

The core takeaway is simple. Strategy saves money before it makes money. It is not about perfection. It is about intention, honesty, and giving yourself a framework to grow without burning out.

00:00 Why strategy matters more than people think
02:20 How mentorship shaped real strategic thinking
05:10 Cities as businesses and intentional growth
07:30 Strategy versus winging it in business
10:40 What KPIs and cost per acquisition really mean
13:55 Why budgets are part of strategy
17:30 When businesses fail from lack of planning
20:45 Adapting strategy as platforms and markets change
24:10 How this podcast became part of the strategy
26:30 Strategy saves money before it makes money

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

We share what the last two months actually looked like. We walk through a hysterectomy that changed our body, our hormones, and our emotional landscape more than we ever expected. We talk honestly about how healing is not just physical, but mental and emotional. We describe driving ten hours two weeks after surgery, returning to work too soon, and pretending we were fine when we were not. We thank our surgeon by name and acknowledge how close we came to losing ourselves before this intervention gave us our life back.

Then everything changes again. In the middle of recovery, we accept another cross country move. We buy a new house in a new state. We leave mountain life for a quieter coastal season. We admit we told almost no one. We explain how our business paused, how our marketing stopped, and how we intentionally pulled back from the world to protect our mental health while our hormones and nervous system recalibrated.

We reflect on what it looks like when a business starts running the owner instead of the owner running the business. We explain how we finally chose to clear commitments, cancel weekly meetings, stop volunteering nonstop, and reclaim our time. We acknowledge that we had been giving our best creative energy to everyone else while leaving nothing for ourselves.

We talk about grief, cycles, and relationships that naturally end when growth happens. We honor the few people who stay. We say out loud that the person we let down the most was ourselves. And we commit, clearly and without apology, to never do that again.

We close this episode by naming this season for what it is. Not disappearance. Not failure. Under construction. A new chapter built on less is more, clarity over chaos, and peace over performance. We remind ourselves and our listeners that life is not about avoiding scars. It is about collecting them to prove we showed up.

And we promise to keep showing up.

🌐 Relevant Links Mentioned

Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org

▶️ YouTube Chapters

00:00 Tech issues and producer talk
01:50 Surgery, hormones, and memory after hysterectomy
03:10 Fair weather podcaster guilt
04:45 Healing as therapy and helping others
08:40 Pricing advice and business strategy
11:30 Returning to the mic after two months
12:30 Surgery recovery and unexpected move
14:30 New home, new state, new season
15:40 Boat story and long season of loss
17:30 Business pause and mental health reset
19:45 Treating yourself like your own client
21:00 Clearing commitments and reclaiming time
22:35 Letting down yourself the most
24:00 Relationships, cycles, and ride or die friends
24:40 Final message and next chapter

🎧 Spotify Chapters

00:00 Production setup and tech talk
01:50 Surgery, hormones, and memory
04:45 Healing and therapy through podcasting
08:40 Business pricing and strategy advice
11:30 Why I disappeared
12:30 Surgery, move, and recalibration
15:40 Boat, loss, and long seasons
17:30 Business transformation
19:45 Boundaries and self leadership
21:00 Less is more
22:35 Choosing myself
24:40 Final reflection

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

• Rediscovering your voice after burnout
• From bartending to bestselling author
• Why “balance” is a myth and grace matters more
• The power of authenticity in podcasting
• Faith, leadership, and speaking your truth
• How women can lead without losing themselves
• Real talk on politics, purpose, and freedom

🧭 Connect with Branden LaNette

🌐 Website: BrandenLaNette.com

🎧 Listen Bitch Podcast: Spotify

🔥 Faith & Fire Podcast: Spotify

📚 Once Upon a Time, Bitches: Amazon

🎧 Listen to Built This Way on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Everywhere you get your podcasts

Follow @builtthiswaypodcast,  @pmuellenassociates  and @pjtventures for new episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and future guest announcements.

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

• Rediscovering your voice after burnout
• From bartending to bestselling author
• Why “balance” is a myth and grace matters more
• The power of authenticity in podcasting
• Faith, leadership, and speaking your truth
• How women can lead without losing themselves
• Real talk on politics, purpose, and freedom

Connect with Branden LaNette

🌐 Website: BrandenLaNette.com

🎧 Listen Bitch Podcast: Spotify

🔥 Faith & Fire Podcast: Spotify

📚 Once Upon a Time, Bitches: Amazon

🎧 Listen to Built This Way on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Everywhere you get your podcasts

Follow @builtthiswaypodcast and @pmuellenassociates and @Pjtventure for new episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and future guest announcements.

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Decide > dabble. Identity follows repeated action; commit through the quiet months.

Internal > external validation. Likes lag; impact often arrives silently (then all at once).

Consistency compounds. Thousands of small reps beat a handful of “perfect” posts.

Test & repurpose. Change formats, platforms, and angles; recycle messages for new seasons.

Repurpose yourself. Past roles still matter; let go to move to the next “bar.”

Support systems win. Accountability, mentorship, and (sometimes) paid help unlock momentum.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back & why this episode matters
02:00 – Meet Erik: engineer, minister, coach, new dad
05:10 – Persistence, roots, and doing hard things
09:45 – Consistency on social: posting daily without the dopamine
13:20 – Lurkers hire later: impact without likes
16:10 – Decide vs. dabble: identity by action
18:50 – Algorithms, testing, and changing what isn’t working
22:10 – Shame, starts, and the choice to keep or quit
24:20 – Repurposing skills (and selves) for the next chapter
28:10 – Entrepreneurship triggers: bad bosses, big bets
31:00 – “Release the drafts” challenge & brand evolution
32:40 – Real beats perfect: why people want your messy truth
35:20 – How to work with Erik & closing thoughts

Links Mentioned

Erik Milligan Coaching – erikmilligancoaching.com

YouTube: Erik Milligan Coaching

LinkedIn: Erik Milligan

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Patricia opens up about her creative paralysis, the endless loop of buying gear, scrapping takes, and avoiding her studio out of fear. She’s brutally honest about the mental clutter that kills ideas and the way perfectionism “murdered” her process. We follow her through grief, health battles, and self-reinvention — including the “three H’s”: hips, Hashimoto’s, and hysterectomy — and how those challenges reignited her purpose.

This episode is part confession, part pep-talk, and all heart. Patricia turns personal chaos into a message for every entrepreneur and creative stuck at square one: stop waiting, stop doubting, and start building. Because progress beats perfection — and regret is worse than failure.

🔗 CONNECT WITH PATRICIA

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pmuellenandassociates
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/builthiswaypodcast

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

Patricia reflects on:

The freedom and stress of solopreneurship — choosing risk over comfort.

The support of her husband, who gave up his own dreams to help her pursue hers.

The evolution of her confidence, from people-pleasing in her 20s to being fully unapologetic in her 40s.

How failure and pain have shaped her success, giving her empathy and drive to help others through their own challenges.

The importance of authenticity, both in business and life — being real, swearing when needed, and refusing to hide behind perfection.

She also tells wild stories from her entrepreneurial past: almost buying a winery, a gun range, and even a speedboat company — all part of her “damn I tried” philosophy.

🔗 Connect with Patricia

Business: [P. Muellen & Associates] www.pmuellenandassociates.com

Instagram: @patriciamuellen

Want to be on the show? Reach out and share your story.

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com