Podcast
Consider the Source
Hosted by Sarah Smiles · EN
Sarah Smiles interviews women from all walks of life to uncover the stories behind their ideas, businesses, and movements. Through candid, empowering conversations, the show creates a space for mentorship, inspiration, and the celebration of female voices. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Crashing the Car, Quitting France, Backpacking Southeast Asia and Australian Visas
2w ago00:24:25Tap to summarizeThis has been an absolute whirlwind of a week. The title really captures is all so give this episode a listen to learn more about what crashing a car in France resulted in!
Transcribe →Start Questioning "Success" and What it Really Means TO YOU
3w ago00:38:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah Smiles invites listeners into a heartfelt conversation about the power of feminine inspiration. She opens up about her own journey of allowing herself to be moved and motivated by the women around her and why giving yourself permission to be inspired is an act of strength, not weakness.Sarah also urges listeners to proceed with caution when seeking advice from others. While outside perspectives can be valuable, she reminds us that not every voice deserves equal weight and that discernment is key when deciding whose counsel to take to heart.At the core of the episode is a call to trust yourself. Sarah encourages listeners to let their intuition lead the way, leaning into that inner knowing rather than second-guessing it. And in a message that's equal parts practical and empowering, she challenges the idea that obligation should always come before desire reminding us that what we want to do deserves a seat at the table alongside what we have to do.
Transcribe →Money and the Fear of Perception is Standing Between You and Your Dream Life
Apr 2700:51:35Tap to summarizeComing to you from my bedroom in France. I talk about walking away from a salaried engineering job to becoming an au pair in France
Transcribe →Katie Gerson | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | Human Resources
Feb 1100:57:10Tap to summarizeKatie Gerson, founder and owner of KG People Consulting, joins Sarah Smiles for an insightful conversation that pulls back the curtain on the world of Human Resources. Often misunderstood as the “fun police,” Katie shares what HR actually does behind the scenes and why strong people practices are essential to building healthy, high-performing workplaces.Drawing on her experience advising companies and professionals alike, Katie offers practical guidance for today’s job seekers — from how to stand out in a competitive market to the mistakes that can quietly derail an application. She also discusses what hiring teams are truly looking for, how candidates can better advocate for themselves, and why authenticity matters more than ever throughout the search process.Beyond resumes and interviews, the conversation explores the evolving role of HR as a strategic partner rather than an administrative function. Katie breaks down common misconceptions, explains how thoughtful leadership shapes company culture, and shares what employees should understand about navigating workplace dynamics.This episode is packed with candid insights, actionable advice, and a refreshing perspective on the human side of work — whether you’re actively job hunting, building a team, or simply curious about what really happens inside HR.
Transcribe →Samantha Maye | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | Elopement Photography
Jan 1200:57:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah Smiles, host of Consider the Source, sits down with Samantha, the photographer and creative force behind Maye.Be Take A Photo, a Colorado-based elopement and adventure wedding photography and planning brand. Through an honest and inspiring conversation, Sarah and Samantha explore what it means to design a wedding day that feels intentional, personal, and rooted in experience rather than tradition.Samantha shares how her business grew from a playful idea into a full-scale creative practice centered on elopements, microweddings, and intimate celebrations in nature. She explains her philosophy of documenting real moments while encouraging couples to be fully present — a mindset that aligns with the brand’s mantra: live the moment first, then take the photo.Sarah guides the conversation into Samantha’s role beyond photography, highlighting how she supports couples through location scouting, timeline creation, and elopement planning, making the process approachable and stress-free. Together, they discuss why more couples are choosing non-traditional paths and how intentional celebrations can feel more aligned, meaningful, and joyful.Throughout the episode, Sarah Smiles brings her signature curiosity and warmth, creating space for a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and redefining what milestone moments can look like. This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone drawn to adventure, storytelling, or building a business that reflects their values.
Transcribe →Chelsea Stewart | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | HAVN Hot Pilates
Nov 1900:56:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah talks with Chelsea Stewart, owner and founder of HAVN Hot Pilates, a boutique studio based in the Denver area. Chelsea has spent over 15 years cultivating her expertise in Pilates, strength training, and body mechanics and she brings that depth to every aspect of her studio.Chelsea shares her wellness journey: how she discovered her passion for movement, what led her to build a Pilates and strength studio, and why she chose to make it a hot experience. She breaks down the HAVN method, which fuses contemporary mat Pilates with weight-based strength work, all practiced in a heated room to maximize both cardiovascular and muscular engagement. Listeners hear Chelsea’s philosophy around her “Core Four” values: Excellence, Expertise, Embodiment, and Engagement. Through those pillars, HAVN is more than a workout it’s a space where people can push physical boundaries while also cultivating mental and emotional growth.Chelsea also reflects on building her coaching team, her role as both an instructor and business owner, and how she designs classes that feel both efficient and deeply intentional. The conversation also touches on how heated Pilates amplifies the mind-body connection. Chelsea explains that the heat isn’t just for sweat: it intensifies awareness and encourages a deeper focus on breath, alignment, and strength. More than anything, Chelsea’s story is about creating a community. HAVN is a place for people to feel strong, challenged, and supported a sanctuary where physical and mental resilience are built in tandem.
Transcribe →Grace Howland | Evoquer | Quitting Private Equity to Create a Fragrance Brand
Nov 1801:05:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer, to explore her unconventional leap from the world of private equity to the art of fragrance creation. Grace opens up about the inspiration behind Evoquer, the time she spent developing the brand, and the deeply personal process of translating memory and emotion into modern, wearable fragrances. She offers a transparent look at the realities of entrepreneurship from walking away from a prestigious career path to navigating self-doubt, building a product-based business from scratch, and learning to trust her own creative instincts.Listeners will hear how Grace blends structure with artistry, how she defines success on her own terms, and why fragrance can be one of the most intimate forms of self-expression. This conversation is an honest, empowering reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, pursue your curiosity, and create something that feels true.
Transcribe →Kelley Waterfall | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | DIY Home Renovation
Nov 1100:54:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah sits down with Kelley Waterfall, a former journalist who traded breaking news for breaking down walls. After years in the newsroom, Kelley took a leap of faith to pursue her growing passion for DIY home renovation full-time. She shares how storytelling skills from her journalism career now shape the way she documents her projects, the lessons she’s learned about craftsmanship and creativity, and what it’s really like to start over in a hands-on, self-taught career.This conversation is an inspiring look at reinvention, risk-taking, and the joy of creating something tangible — one home project at a time.
Transcribe →Ashleigh | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | ABCreative
Nov 1000:54:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah chats with Ashleigh, marketing expert and founder of ABCreative, about what it really takes to build a standout brand in today’s crowded digital landscape. Ashleigh shares her journey from marketing professional to creative entrepreneur, offering insight into how she helps businesses clarify their message, elevate their visual identity, and connect authentically with their audience.The conversation dives into the strategy behind powerful storytelling, the importance of consistency across platforms, and how brands can stay relevant without chasing every new trend. Ashleigh also opens up about her creative process, lessons learned from working with diverse clients, and her perspective on balancing artistry with analytics.This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and creators looking to turn their vision into a compelling brand that truly resonates.
Transcribe →Verity Noble | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | Nude Foods
Nov 1000:58:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah sits down with Verity Noble, co-founder of Nude Foods Market, a groundbreaking zero-waste grocery store based in Denver. Verity shares her journey from startup founder to sustainability advocate, diving into what inspired her to create a grocery model that eliminates single-use packaging and reimagines how we shop for food.The conversation explores the challenges of building a mission-driven business, the logistics of operating a returnable container system, and how community support has helped Nude Foods grow in a convenience-driven culture. Verity also opens up about her personal motivations for pursuing environmental impact, the realities of being a female entrepreneur, and her hopes for the future of sustainable living in Colorado and beyond.This episode is an inspiring look at how one woman’s vision and persistence are transforming the way we think about food, waste, and local business
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