Royally Unhinged THE Podcast

Sometimes business goes according to plan.

And sometimes… absolutely not.

What does it really means to pivot when life, technology, schedules, health, clients, or just plain chaos force you to change course??

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur trying to keep everything moving by yourself or a business owner dealing with something completely outside of your control, there are moments when you have to stop, reset, adjust, and figure out what still makes sense.

We get into how hard that can be when you’re the one wearing all the hats, why flexibility matters, and how sometimes the pivot isn’t about giving up on the plan — it’s about finding a different way to keep going.

And because this episode itself had to pivot into a virtual recording… the timing felt pretty appropriate.

Sometimes Plan A works.

Sometimes Plan B shows up uninvited.

And sometimes you just have to yell:

PIVOT!

Tell us in the comments: what’s the biggest pivot you’ve ever had to make in your business?

We had a plan. We had questions. We were going to talk to people. And then the weather said, “Absolutely not.”

In this episode of Royally Unhinged THE Podcast, we’re recording from a local food truck festival and talking about how businesses and organizations can actually find local events, festivals, pop-ups, vendor opportunities, and community happenings that can help get them in front of more people.

We get into why showing up locally can be such a good marketing move, how community events can help build awareness and connections, and why sometimes the best opportunities are happening way closer to home than you think.

We also had every intention of interviewing people at the event.

Did that happen?

Nope.

Because rain.

So naturally, the episode became part local marketing conversation, part event survival story, and part reminder that even a good plan sometimes needs a backup plan.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find local events for your business, how to get involved in your community, or how to use events as part of your marketing strategy, this one’s for you.

Tell us in the comments: what local event has been one of the best marketing opportunities for your business?

We took Royally Unhinged THE Podcast on location to Trinity Designs, and naturally, we started asking the important questions… like, what exactly can you engrave?

In this sponsored episode, we get into all the creative things Trinity Designs can do with laser engraving, custom products, branded merch, xTool equipment, personalized gifts, promo items, and unique one-off pieces.

We also talk about why branded items don’t have to be boring, how businesses can think outside the box with promotional products, and why the stuff you carry, wear, give away, or bring to events can be part of your brand too.

And of course, we had to test the limits a little.

Can you engrave this? What about that? What materials work? What absolutely does not work?

Basically, this episode is part branding conversation, part behind-the-scenes look at laser engraving, and part “how weird can we get with this?”

If you’ve ever wanted custom merch, branded gifts, promotional products, or just something completely unique, this one is for you.

Big thanks to Trinity Designs for sponsoring this episode and letting us come play in their space. Trinitydesignsco.com

Tell us in the comments: what is the weirdest thing you’d want engraved?

You ever show up for one thing… and suddenly realize you’re being sold something completely different?

Yeah. That.

We’re talking about the bait-and-switchy side of sales — from events that start as entertainment and somehow morph into a pitch, to speakers who give you value and then hit you with the “special offer if you sign up today” moment.

We get into where the line is between a normal upsell and a full-on “wait… was this the plan the whole time?” situation, why some sales tactics feel fine and others instantly make people uncomfortable, and how trust can disappear really fast when people feel like they were brought in under false pretenses.

Because selling isn’t the problem.

The surprise sales ambush? That’s where it gets weird.

Tell us in the comments: what’s the most awkward or unexpected upsell you’ve ever experienced?

This episode starts with Ludacris.

Naturally, it somehow ends up at lutefisk, lefse, NSYNC, cereal boxes, franchise marketing, and the very serious question of whether every region should just get its own weird little version of everything.

We get into commercials, local references, nostalgia, and those tiny details that make people go, “Okay, this was definitely made for us.”

Somewhere along the way, we also revisit Tarah’s elementary-school marketing masterpiece: NSYNC-os. Because apparently the branding career started early.

Eventually, yes, there is a point.

It has something to do with knowing your audience, understanding where they live, and not assuming the same generic message is going to land the same way everywhere.

But mostly?

Ludacris. Lutefisk. Local marketing.

You’ll get there with us.

Tell us in the comments: what regional reference would instantly make you stop and pay attention to an ad?

Listen or watch now:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcastiHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

AI can make a flyer in seconds… but should it look like AI made it?

It is the rise of AI-generated flyers, and why so many of them are starting to look the same, and what happens when you cram way too much information onto one graphic and call it marketing.

We’re not anti-AI. In fact, we’re all for using tools that make marketing more accessible if that’s your thing — especially if hiring a designer or paying for expensive design software isn’t in the budget.

But here’s the thing: you’re still in charge.

AI doesn’t automatically know your brand, your fonts, your colors, your logo, your audience, or the personality you’ve worked hard to build. If you’re using it, you still need to direct it, edit it, and make sure the final piece actually feels like you.

Use the tool. Make it work for you. Just don’t let the flyer become the brand.

Because if your AI flyer is showing… people can probably tell.

Listen or watch now:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcast

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

Sometimes the biggest marketing wins come from the smallest moments.

It’s travel stories, first-class flying, and some seriously great customer experience moments from Paula’s recent trip to Canada.

From simple questions and thoughtful acknowledgements to those tiny personal touches that make someone feel genuinely seen, we get into why people remember how a business made them feel long after the transaction is over.

Because sometimes it’s not the flashy campaign, the giant ad budget, or the perfectly polished strategy.

Sometimes it’s just remembering someone, asking the right question, or making them feel like they actually matter.

It’s the little things.

Tell us in the comments: what’s one small customer service moment you’ve experienced that made a big impression?

Listen or watch now:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcast

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Why do we keep doing things the same way just because that’s how they’ve always been done?

Let’s start with a book that literally runs backwards — highest page number to lowest — and somehow turn that into a much bigger conversation about doing things differently on purpose.

We also get into the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series, unconventional design choices, fandom, branding, marketing, events, speaking, podcasting, and all the weird little ways people can make something more memorable simply by refusing to follow the expected formula.

Everyone says to “think outside the box.” But what if the better question is: who decided there had to be a box in the first place?

We talk about why speakers don’t have to write books, why podcasts don’t have to follow the same interview format, why businesses don’t have to copy their competitors, and why sometimes the thing that makes people remember you is the part that feels a little strange, unexpected, or completely different.

Because different gets noticed.

Listen or watch now:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcastiHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

Influencer culture has changed a LOT — and we have questions.

Are influencers are actually losing their influence… or if people are just getting tired of the perfectly curated posts, constant selling, fake authenticity, and “you NEED this” energy.

We get into what even makes someone an influencer anymore, why audiences are getting more skeptical, and whether people are starting to trust real recommendations, smaller creators, business owners, friends, and actual customer experiences more than traditional influencer marketing.

Is influencer marketing dying? Probably not completely. But the way people respond to it is definitely changing.

So where does that leave brands, content creators, and businesses trying to get noticed online without making everyone roll their eyes?

Basically: influence isn’t dead… but maybe the internet is just sick of being influenced.

Tell us what you think: Do influencers still influence you, or are you officially over it?

Listen or watch now:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcastiHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

Your website says one thing. Google says another. Facebook has hours from six months ago. LinkedIn still has an employee who left in 2024.

Very demure? Not quite.

What is the importance of keeping your business information accurate and consistent everywhere people might find you online?

From your website and Google Business Profile to Facebook, LinkedIn, Bing, social media, staff bios, photos, store hours, contact information, and everything in between, outdated information can create a frustrating customer experience before someone ever walks through your door.

We also get into why sometimes you’re way too close to your own business to notice what’s confusing. Which is where our highly scientific marketing strategy comes in: hand your website to a stranger and ask, “What is this giving?”

Because consistency in marketing isn’t just about using the same logo everywhere. It’s about making sure customers can actually trust the information they find.

So go check your hours. Update your staff page. Look at your profiles. And maybe ask somebody who knows absolutely nothing about your business what your website is giving.

Very demure.

Very mindful.

Very up to date.

Listen or watch now:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcast

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

Featuring Bill Murray…

Well… kind of.

🚨 Spoiler Alert! 🚨

When Tarah saw that Bill Murray was listed in the cast of Zombieland: Double Tap, she naturally assumed he’d be back in a big (and probably hilarious) way. Considering what happened in the first movie, we couldn’t wait to see how they’d pull it off.

Instead? Let’s just say it sparked a much bigger conversation.

When does mentioning someone’s name become marketing… and when does it become name dropping?

We dive into using other people’s names, credibility, and popularity to grab attention. Whether it’s social media, networking, podcasts, or marketing, where’s the line between genuine collaboration, social proof, and clout chasing?

Turns out, this episode isn’t really about Bill Murray at all. It’s about building a brand that’s memorable because of you, not because of whose name you attached to it.

👇 We’d love to hear from you:

Where do you think the line is between social proof and name dropping?

P.S. Bill Murray, if you somehow end up seeing this… you’re one of our favorite actors, and we’d absolutely watch another sequel or anything else you ever do!! 😄

Listen or watch now:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFcqQdcAjmvVazynOpeMD

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-unhinged-the-podcast/id1796596698

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57zPgo9waf-wKY1Ax-jmow?sub_confirmation=1

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d70c39f-4fa7-4e6f-a498-e1bba74363c5/royally-unhinged-the-podcast

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-royally-unhinged-the-podca-278210632

YOU do not have to follow the same business playbook as everyone else.

You are allowed to be different. You are allowed to build your business in a way that actually fits you. And you definitely do not have to do something just because everyone in your industry says you should.

We get into the pressure business owners, speakers, and professionals feel to follow the “right” path, whether that means writing a book, offering the same services as competitors, marketing the same way, or checking off a list of things that may not even match their goals.

This episode is about giving yourself permission to opt out of the cookie-cutter version of success, create your own path, and stop forcing yourself into strategies that do not feel natural or make sense for your business.

Be different. Be a nerd. Wear the helmet.

NETWORKING. But not in the usual “how many leads did you get?” kind of way.

Because if the only reason you’re networking is to get referrals, sales, or business cards, you might be missing one of the biggest benefits: being in a room with people who actually get it.

We get into how networking can be a place for problem-solving, support, and real conversations with other business owners who’ve been through it before. Whether you’re dealing with a new challenge, trying to figure out what actually works, or just need someone to say, “Yep, I’ve been there too,” sometimes the real value of networking has nothing to do with the next lead.

We also talk about the other side of that conversation — when business owners take their struggles straight to social media. Is transparency a good thing? Sometimes. But how transparent is too transparent? And when does being open start turning into oversharing?

This episode is really about community, connection, and the reminder that in business, we’re all in this together…

Part 2 Tattoo is here… because apparently everyone had thoughts.

After our first episode about tattoos in the workplace, the comments, texts, emails, and real-life conversations kept coming. So naturally, we had to come back for round two — this time with Tarah’s finished tattoo, more opinions, and even more questions about whether visible ink belongs in professional settings.

We talk about the meaning behind Tarah’s new tattoo honoring her dad, the native Minnesota wildflowers included in the design, the very real pain of an eight-hour tattoo, and why choosing the right tattoo artist matters a whole lot when the artwork is permanently attached to your body.

Then we get back into the workplace debate: Should employees have to cover their tattoos? Are face tattoos different? Can a company decide that someone’s ink does not fit its brand? And are tattooed professionals still being judged before anyone knows how talented, qualified, or capable they actually are?

We also get into tattoo regret, cover-ups, questionable meanings, misspelled tattoos, permanent makeup, generational opinions, and the deeply important question: are they unprofessional tattoos… or are they just bad tattoos?

If you watched Your Ink Is Showing, this is the follow-up you didn’t know you needed.

Tell us in the comments: How many tattoos do you have, and do you think visible tattoos belong in the workplace?

We’re asking a question that somehow feels simple and complicated at the same time: what actually is an influencer?

With construction taking over the studio, we ended up recording from Paula’s Pantry, which honestly felt like the perfect setting for a conversation like this.

We get into what counts as an influencer, who gets to define that label, and whether being an influencer is about followers, impact, content creation, paid partnerships, or something else entirely.

We also talk about how the word gets used, why some people embrace it while others hate it, and how blurry the line can be between business owner, creator, promoter, and influencer.

Once upon a time in 1969…in a little place called Durango, Colorado, there was an entrepreneur that seriously understood the assignment and started: Bar D Chuckwagon.

Tarah and her family were on vacation recently and what she thought was just going to be dinner turned into a full-on experience, chuckwagon supper, live music, kids activities, great customer service, and even a performer with an American Idol connection. It was fun, memorable, family-friendly, and one of those places that gives people way more than they expected.

We get into what made Bar D Chuckwagon stand out, why the overall experience mattered so much, and how businesses that pay attention to the little things are usually the ones people remember. Also, how did Tarah even find out about this place??

If you’re looking for things to do in Durango, CO, curious about Bar D Chuckwagon, or just love seeing a business absolutely nail the customer experience, this one’s for you.

Basically… they had us at chuckwagon supper.

We’re talking tattoos!! Tattoos in the workplace, visible tattoos at work, and why body art still gets treated like a controversy in some industries.

With Tarah heading in for a tattoo, the conversation quickly turned into a bigger discussion about professionalism, hiring bias, company image, and whether employers should care if someone has visible ink.

Let’s get into questions like: should tattoos be covered at work, are tattoos acceptable in professional settings, can a business decide someone’s look does not fit the brand, and where is the line between workplace standards and outdated judgment?

We are going all in on workplace discrimination, personal expression, company culture, and why being qualified, capable, and great at your job should probably matter more than whether someone has ink showing.

It’s the social media disease… known as posting things that absolutely did not need to be posted.

It all started with that insurance commercial where a guy’s basement is literally flooding, and instead of just handling the situation, he’s trying to come up with the perfect caption for social media. One of the agents finally says what we were all thinking: “Or you could just not post it.” And honestly? That sent us.

From there, we got into clickbait, validation, oversharing, and the very blurry line between what should be content and what really, really should not. We talk about why people feel the need to post everything, how social media rewards chaos, and why some things are better left offline.

This episode is part marketing, part internet side-eye, and part public service announcement for the chronically online.

Because not everything needs a caption.

Not everything needs engagement.

And not everything needs to be posted.

You use TikTok for what?!What started as a conversation about how businesses get found online turned into a bigger talk about where people are actually searching these days. Are people still using Google first? Are they jumping to TikTok for places to eat, travel ideas, and things to do? And how much does that change the way businesses need to think about getting found?In this episode, we get into how search habits are shifting, the different ways people discover businesses now, and why you really can’t assume everyone is looking in the same place anymore.From Google and reviews to social media and TikTok search, this one is all about visibility, discoverability, and how customers are actually finding businesses today.Also… we finally disagreed. And honestly, it was kind of overdue. 😉

Beets. Bears. Battlestar Galactica.If you know, you know.In this episode of Royally Unhinged, we’re taking a trip to Scranton and asking a question nobody expected: Was Michael Scott actually right?As it turns out, behind the awkward gift baskets, questionable decisions, and chaotic management style was a surprisingly valuable lesson about relationships, customer loyalty, and standing out in a world obsessed with automation.Along the way, we somehow end up discussing sponsorships for pants, Office personality quizzes, newsletters gone wrong, and enough random tangents to make Michael Scott proud.So grab your World’s Best Boss mug, settle into your favorite conference room chair, and join us for an episode that’s equal parts business strategy, Office fandom, and complete chaos.That’s what she said.