The In-Between Podcast with Kassidy Lynne Social

Why are so many social media managers overworked, underpaid, and stuck in the client grind while others are building scalable, profitable businesses? Sam Schmidt breaks it down because she’s seen both sides.
After starting her career as a teacher, Sam transitioned into social media management, built a successful agency, and went on to mentor hundreds of social media managers on how to grow beyond just “doing the work” and start running real businesses.
This episode challenges the industry norms from underpricing and overdelivering to the pressure of doing everything, and replaces them with a smarter, more sustainable way to grow.
If you’re ready to stop guessing, start charging appropriately, and build a business that actually supports your life, this conversation will shift how you see everything.
What You’ll Hear:
Sam’s transition from teaching to social media entrepreneurship
 Why most social media managers are undercharging (and how to fix it)
The truth about the “$500 social media manager” and why it’s hurting the industry
Why social media management should be treated as a premium service
The difference between social media management vs. support (and when to offer each)
How to confidently talk about pricing without second-guessing yoursel
The biggest reason social media managers burn out
How to balance client work with actually growing your business
The role of specialization (and why it matters more than niching)
What separates the social media managers who succeed from the ones who quit
How to build a personal brand that attracts better clients
Simple, actionable shifts to improve your social media strategy today
Connect with Sam: Website: https://www.samschmidtsocial.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samschmidtsocial/?hl=en
 
Let's Connect:https://www.instagram.com/kassidylynnesocial

What does it actually take to walk away from everything you’ve built and start over? Caroline Ciocca has done it more than once.
She’s the former CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada turned executive leadership coach, and in this conversation, she shares what it really looks like to navigate life’s in-between seasons from major career pivots to selling everything she owned and moving across the country.
This episode isn’t just about change. It’s about courage, identity, and giving yourself permission to evolve even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, questioning your next move, or wondering if it’s too late to start over, this is the conversation you need.
What You'll Hear:
The power of building your own personal "board of directors" and who should be on it
How Caroline went from a 28-year-old executive director to CEO of Make-A-Wish and what she learned about leadership along the way
The truth about the nonprofit sector: why we need more minds and less heart
Kassidy's personal story about her brother's Make-A-Wish trip before he passed from leukemia
Why Caroline sold her house, reduced her life to six boxes, and gave herself a year to explore
How to know when it's time to change your mind (and why that's not a lack of integrity)
Building space into your day and protecting slow mornings with a "kung fu grip"
Trusting your intuition and recognizing the "winks from the universe"
Why there's no wrong decision and how to give yourself permission to try
Connect with Caroline: Website: https://www.carolineciocca.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineciocca
Let's Connect:https://www.instagram.com/kassidylynnesocial

Welcome to The In-Between Podcast, where we have conversations that pursue growth, failure, and the in-between. Join your host, Kassidy Lynne, each week for a new conversation that will give you an inside look into humans who conquered the in between moments of their lives, because even those doing the damn thing, running the business, training for the marathon, or even just being a human go through the in-betweens and that is where we find growth.
Grab an iced coffee and join me as we dive deep into the in between.
Connect with Kassidy at https://www.kassidylynnesocial.com/
Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbetweenconvos/
 
About Kassidy:
Kassidy Owen is the founder of Kassidy Lynne Social, a social media agency dedicated to helping brands express their authentic voice online. She views social media as a platform for building meaningful, lasting connections.

Driven by a passion for storytelling and purpose-led growth, Kassidy works with female founders and values-driven brands committed to making a positive impact in their communities. She also serves on the board of the Give Happy Foundation, supporting initiatives that foster joy and positive change.
 
Let's Connect:https://www.instagram.com/kassidylynnesocial

Welcome to The In-Between Podcast. Today we have Makayla Hopper, founder and photographer behind MacMo Photo & Co., for a real conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and navigating in-between seasons. Makayla shares her journey from construction project management to going all-in on photography, the moment she almost sold her business, and how choosing vulnerability opened the door to deeper relationships and aligned growth. We talk about building a “business family,” trusting your instincts when things fall apart, and how a major setback — including a broken ankle during a pivotal season — completely reshaped the way she prices, structures, and sustains her work. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about hustling harder, but about consistency, community, and building a business that can support you through every season.
 
What You’ll Hear:
Makayla’s path from construction management to full-time photographer
The chaotic mastermind moment that sparked a powerful business connection
Why vulnerability builds stronger relationships than perfection
Almost selling her business — and the choice that changed everything
The lesson a broken ankle taught her about pricing and sustainability
Why photographers (and creatives) should price to replace themselves
How brand photography retainers create long-term value for small businesses
Why community and consistency matter more than momentum alone
 
Connect with Makayla:
@macmo.photo |https://www.instagram.com/macmo.photo/
 
Website: https://macmophoto.com/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

Welcome to The In-Between Podcast. Today we have, Rickelle Tallent, former competitive athlete turned sports dietitian and founder of Tallent Nutrition, to unpack what performance nutrition really looks like beyond restrictive diets and wellness trends. Rickelle shares her unconventional journey from psychology to nutrition, how working with former athletes shaped her passion for long-term health, and why fueling properly is about performance, recovery, and sustainability — not just aesthetics. They dive into common nutrition myths, the dangers of diet culture and supplement overload, the role of mindset in eating behaviors, and practical strategies for busy entrepreneurs and active individuals to improve energy, focus, and consistency. This conversation is a grounded reminder that nutrition is proactive care, not punishment, and that small habits compound into lifelong health.
 
What You’ll Hear:
How Rickelle defines an “athlete” and who performance nutrition is really for
Her path from psychology to sports nutrition and business ownership
Why restrictive diets fail active people long term
The impact of diet culture, supplements, and social media misinformation
Foundational habits to improve energy, recovery, and mental clarity
The powerful connection between mindset, food, and performance
Why proactive health choices matter more than reactive fixe
 
Connect with Rickelle:
@tallentnutrition | https://www.instagram.com/tallentnutrition/
Website: https://tallentnutrition.com/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

Today I’m sitting down with Polina Weidner, founder and CEO of The Marketing Model, to talk about quitting corporate with no plan, launching a business during the chaos of 2020 while pregnant, and how motherhood completely reshaped the way she works and leads. Polina shares the mindset that kept her going through uncertainty, why taking ownership of mistakes actually strengthened her client relationships, and the moment she realized her business needed to pivot so her life could breathe again. We get into her signature 3–3–3 rule for staying organized, the biggest marketing mistake entrepreneurs make (overthinking instead of posting), and how showing up authentically online creates real connection and growth. She also dives into the heart behind Mayko Made, her new community for moms in business designed to give support, strategy, and sisterhood in a season that often feels isolating.
 
What You'll Hear:
 
How Paulina quit corporate with no plan and matched her income in just months
Launching The Marketing Model during 2020 while pregnant and navigating major life changes
The mindset + ownership that helped her turn early mistakes into long-term client trust
How motherhood pushed her to pivot her business model for more sustainability and presence
Paulina’s 3–3–3 rule for staying organized without burnout
The biggest marketing mistake entrepreneurs make (and how to fix it fast)
The mission behind Mayko Made and why moms in business need real community now more than ever
Connect with Polina:
@polina.weidner | https://www.instagram.com/polina.weidner
@themarketingmodel | https://www.instagram.com/themarketingmodel
@maykomade | https://www.instagram.com/maykomade
Website: https://www.themarketingmodel.com/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

In this episode of In-Between, Kassidy sits down with Rhiannon Andersen, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Steelhead Productions, to talk about leadership, resilience, and choosing joy through life’s hardest seasons. Rhiannon shares how she helped grow Steelhead by over 600%, why happiness is a conscious choice rather than a personality trait, and how her early career in social work shaped her values-driven approach to business. They dive into building award-winning company culture, giving back through the Give Happy Foundation, navigating massive business risk during the recession and COVID, redefining success beyond money, and learning to balance masculine and feminine leadership. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just what you build — it’s how you live, lead, and show up through the in-between moments.
 
What You’ll Hear:
Why happiness is a choice — and how Rhiannon rebuilt her life around joy
Growing Steelhead Productions through recession, risk, and reinvention
What award-winning company culture actually looks like day-to-day
The power of giving back and building purpose into business
Redefining success beyond money, titles, and achievement
Navigating leadership, motherhood, and feminine vs. masculine energy
Advice for anyone stuck in an “in-between” season of life or business
 
Connect with Rhiannon:
@rhiannon_andersen | https://www.instagram.com/rhiannon_andersen 
@exhibithappy | https://www.instagram.com/exhibithappy/
@givehappyfoundation | https://www.instagram.com/givehappyfoundation/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonandersen/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

Today I'm sitting down with Dr. Nona Djavid - entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and chiropractor who's on a mission to help people live what she calls an "unreasonable life." In this episode we dive deep into the difference between living a reasonable versus unreasonable life, and trust me, this conversation will make you question everything you thought you knew about success. Dr. Nona gets vulnerable about building a seven-figure business in her twenties while feeling completely burnt out and unhappy, that pivotal moment that changed everything, and why borrowed dreams will never fulfill you. We talk about the mechanics versus energetics of success, why most affirmations actually backfire because of neuro-tags, and her framework for achieving more by working less (yes, she works one week a month). Dr. Nona also shares why being addicted to struggle is keeping you stuck, how to rewire your nervous system for a new reality, and why doubt is actually a sign you're on the right track. If you've ever felt like you checked all the boxes but still feel empty, this episode is your wake-up call!
 
What You'll Hear:
The difference between a reasonable and unreasonable life
Dr. Nona's closet breakdown moment that changed everything
Why borrowed dreams lead to burnout and unhappiness
The three categories of people and their relationship with desire
How to identify if your vision is truly unreasonable
Why fear and doubt mean you're on the right path
Mechanics versus energetics: the missing piece in manifestation
The addiction to struggle that keeps entrepreneurs stuck
Understanding neuro-tags and why affirmations can backfire
How to rewire your nervous system for abundance
The one week a month lifestyle and how it's possible
Why you can't manifest from a place of unworthiness
The four steps to quantum leaping your life
How quickly you rebound from setbacks determines your success
Trusting yourself through in-between moments
 
Connect with Dr Nona Djavid:
@nonadjavid
https://nonadjavid.com/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

Welcome back to The In-Between podcast! Today I'm chatting with Shannon Russell, a career transition coach, author, and host of the Second Act Success podcast. In this episode we dive into what a "second act" really means and why it's never too late to start over. Shannon shares her powerful story of walking away from her dream job in television and the pivotal moment when she chose family over interviewing major celebrities. We talk about the messy in-between of figuring out what's next, why defining your "why" is the compass for everything, and how to strategically build a business while still working full-time. Shannon gets honest about imposter syndrome, the fear of what others will think, and why you don't have to have it all figured out to take the leap. Plus, we discuss why everyone should have something entrepreneurial on the side and how to stop living with regrets. If you're feeling stuck or wondering if there's something more out there for you, this conversation is your permission slip to explore!
 
What You'll Hear:
What a "second act" really means and why it's not too late
Shannon's journey from TV producer to franchise owner to coach
The Taylor Swift interview that changed everything
Navigating the messy in-between of career transitions
How to know when it's time for a change
Defining your "why" as your compass for decision-making
Starting a business while working full-time strategically
Dealing with imposter syndrome and self-doubt
Why success in a second act looks different than your first
The importance of having something you build and control
Teaching your kids that career paths aren't linear
How to take the first step toward your second act
Living without regrets and chasing your dreams
 
Connect with Shannon:
@secondactsuccess 
Second Act Success Website | https://secondactsuccess.co/
Second Act Success Podcast 
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen

Welcome back to The In-Between podcast! Today I'm sitting down with Bri Ramos - branding expert, fractional CMO, and co-founder of the PAUSE Retreat, a luxury retreat designed specifically for high-achieving women. Bri's been running The Buzz Brand with her sisters for 11 years, and honestly, she's a wealth of knowledge on all things branding, marketing, and identity. We get into her wild journey from being a teacher to accidentally falling into branding and eventually building a full-service agency. Bri gets real about the constant identity shifts that come with entrepreneurship and motherhood, why setting boundaries as a high-achiever is so hard (but necessary), and the importance of having a hobby that's actually separate from your work. We also dive into why storytelling will always beat following trends, how to lead with value instead of just selling, and why there's absolutely room for everyone in your industry. Plus, Bri shares what inspired the PAUSE Retreat and Community - a space for women to actually stop and refill their cups. If you're navigating your own identity shifts or just need permission to slow down, this conversation is everything! 
 
What You'll Hear:
Bri's journey from education to tech to building The Buzz Brand
Navigating multiple identity shifts as an entrepreneur and mom
Why discovering your identity is the foundation of your brand
The importance of boundaries for high-achieving women
How to find a hobby that isn't just another creative outlet
Why everyone needs a mentor in different seasons
The psychology behind effective marketing and storytelling
Leading with value over selling your product or service
Understanding people to solve their pain points
The PAUSE Retreat and Community for high-achieving women
Why emotional intelligence makes great leaders
The power of play and laughter in personal development
Why the market isn't saturated - there's room for everyone
Advice for anyone in an in-between moment right now
 
Connect with Bri:
@bri.ramos__ | @thebuzzbrand_ |
Bri's Website | https://brianaramos.com/
The Buzz Brand Website | https://thebuzzbrand.com/
 
Let's Connect:
@inbetweenconvos | @kassidy.owen