Podcast
Consider the Wildflowers
Hosted by Shanna Skidmore · EN
Hear the untold stories of how industry leaders, founders, and up and coming entrepreneurs got their start, the experiences that shaped them, the journey to building the brands they have today, and of course ... the numbers! Stories sure to inspire and reignite your work. As well as give you the courage to redefine success and build a life and business on your own terms. www.considerthewildflowerspodcast.com
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
131. Leanne Morgan on Why It’s Never Too Late — and You’ve Still Got Time
Nov 600:52:26Tap to summarizeKnoxville to Knoxville! Comedian, actress, and author Leanne Morgan joins Shanna to talk about dreams that take the long way ‘round. Leanne shares how a jewelry-party side gig turned into living-room “comedy clubs,” why a traditional club grind didn’t fit while raising three kids, and the early-50s pivot that changed everything—investing in herself, going viral, and selling out a 150-city tour. She opens up about mom-guilt, saying no, setting boundaries with a 25-person team, and the tender stuff she misses about her “old life” (cooking at home, grocery runs, grandbabies). Plus: the joke she almost didn’t tell that became a breakout favorite, the best advice she ever got (“work clean”), and what she’d say to her younger self: you weren’t crazy—buckle up. Permission, perspective, and a reminder you’ve got time.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/leanne-morgan📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Watch Leanne’s New Comedy Special “Unspeakable Things” on Netflix released November 4, 2025 Grab a copy of Leanne’s book, What in the World?! (or better yet, get the audible version!)
Transcribe →130. How to Plan for a Peaceful (and Profitable) Summer as a Business Owner and Mom
May 2900:36:59Tap to summarizeSummer hits different when you're running a business and chasing kiddos! Whether you're navigating limited childcare, shifting routines, or just craving a slower pace that won’t derail your goals — this solo episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how I prep and plan for a peaceful (and profitable) summer that works for both my business and my family.From the questions I ask to set our seasonal rhythm to how I’m structuring my work hours — and yes, what’s on our family’s summer bucket list — I’ll walk you through my step-by-step summer planning process. If you’ve ever wondered how to do “summer mode” as a business owner, this one’s for you!WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/summer-plan-business-mom📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Business Stats TrackerMonthly Business Budget Income & Expense TrackerEp 127: What work-life balance really looks like as a mom and CEOThe Essential Calendar Company. I bought the summer calendar along with this washi tape and these post-it notes to visually plan our summer and keep our bucket list top of mind. Nancy Ray Podcast: The Summer PlanKendra Adachi Podcast : The Summer Plan
Transcribe →129. When It’s Time to Walk Away (Even When It’s Good): A Conversation with Lara Casey Isaacson
May 22, 202500:50:47Tap to summarizeAfter founding Southern Weddings and Cultivate What Matters—and creating the beloved PowerSheets®—Lara Casey Isaacson found herself at two unexpected crossroads. In this episode, Lara opens up about what it looked like to walk away from the businesses she built, the restlessness that signaled it was time, and how faith, chronic illness, and family shaped her decision-making.We talk about what it means to steward a season well, the quiet bravery of closing a chapter before the next one is clear, and how redefining success starts with letting go. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a new direction—or wondered whether it’s time to step away from something good—this conversation will feel like a gentle permission slip.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/lara-casey-isaacson
Transcribe →128. From Coffee Table Pact to Global Impact: How Tom Livingston Built an 8-Figure Medical Device Company
May 15, 202501:03:31Tap to summarizeWhat if your next business idea wasn’t about making millions—but helping just one person? In this episode, Tom Livingston, CEO of Rampart IC, shares how a late-night phone call from a friend sparked the idea for a life-saving medical device—and how that simple act of service grew into a globally distributed, 8-figure company. From sketching concepts on a napkin to testing a prototype during a secret cabin weekend, Tom’s journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, calculated risk, and building something that truly matters.Whether you’re burning the midnight oil on your own big idea or still in the dreaming phase, this conversation is for you. Tom opens up about building the company while working full time, the coffee table pact that changed everything, and the power of building a team rooted in belief, not just ambition. This is a story of faith, uncertainty, and the quiet courage it takes to bet on what doesn’t exist—yet.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/tom-livingston-rampart-ic
Transcribe →127. What Work-Life Balance Really Looks Like as a Mom and CEO
May 8, 202500:46:21Tap to summarizeWhat does work-life balance really look like when you're building a business with little ones underfoot? In this honest and behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing 10 strategies that have helped me navigate motherhood and entrepreneurship without full-time childcare—from finding pockets of deep work to rethinking routines, home life, and asking for help. If you’re juggling big dreams and snack-time interruptions, this one’s for you.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES: shannaskidmore.com/how-to-balance-motherhood-and-business📌 ResourcesTogglOuraAsana Task Management SoftwareAtomic HabitsKendra Adachi episode James Clear Masterclass Finance Friday Newsletter Free Budgeting Class
Transcribe →126. The Hidden Costs of ‘Doing It All’ & Why This Entrepreneur Opted Out
May 1, 202500:50:53Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Paige returns with a more personal take on life as a digital entrepreneur living abroad. We’re talking guilt-free boundaries, “done is better than perfect” energy, tracking your freedom number, getting ruthless with your to-do list, and why ROI isn’t always about revenue.She’s pulling back the curtain on the intentional choices that help her avoid burnout, make peace with not doing it all, and strategies to finally let yourself enjoy the life you’re building. If you’ve ever wondered when the “balance” part of work-life balance actually kicks in—this episode is for you. Spoiler: It’s not about having it all. It’s about knowing what’s actually worth having.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/paige-brunton-encore📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Asana - my go to project management softwareDie with Zero
Transcribe →125. Scaling Smart: The Power of Competitive Pricing & Word-of-Mouth Growth
Apr 24, 202500:34:09Tap to summarizeJen Wood, founder of Mango’s Decor & Co, is a third-generation furniture entrepreneur who turned a love for design into a 7,000-square-foot furniture boutique serving families across the Southeast. From car seat naps to couch deliveries, Jen built her business with babies in tow—proving that motherhood and entrepreneurship can grow side by side.In this episode, Jen shares how she scaled Mango’s Decor & Co with a smart pricing strategy, a passion for beautiful, livable spaces, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Tune in for a candid conversation on staying scrappy, trusting your gut, and building a brand that feels like home.WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/mangos-decor-knoxville-tennessee
Transcribe →124. Hometown Bakery Turned 17-Location Franchise: How Scott & Meredith Layton Turned a Small Dream into a Nationally Recognized Brand
Apr 17, 202500:45:24Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to grow a small-town bakery into a 17-location franchise? In this episode, Meredith Layton, co-founder of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, shares how a simple dream, a deep love for people, and an unwavering commitment to relational business helped her turn one storefront into a thriving brand. From overcoming early challenges to creating an experience that feels like home, Meredith opens up about what has fueled their growth over the past 11 years—and why "share pie, share love" is more than a tagline.Meredith shares candid lessons about money, motherhood, working with your spouse, and making peace with imperfection along the way. If you've ever wondered how to build a life-giving business without losing yourself in it, this conversation is a must-listenWILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/meredith-layton📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Five Fold Effect
Transcribe →123. From Gracious Hostess to Luxury Event Planner: How Whitney Bowman Became Knoxville’s Premier Luxury Wedding Planner
Apr 10, 202500:44:51Tap to summarizeFrom her humble beginnings as a gracious hostess to becoming one of Tennessee's premier event planners, Whitney Bowman takes us through the highs and lows of building a successful luxury event planning business. In this episode, we explore the power of community support, the valuable lessons learned from growing pains, and her unwavering dedication to creating unforgettable weddings. Whether you're an aspiring event planner or simply curious about the world of high-end celebrations, this conversation is a must-listen!WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/whitney-bowman📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Maple Grove InnKnoxville Museum of ArtWIPA
Transcribe →122. From Stay-at-Home Mom to CEO: What No One Tells You About Starting a Business
Apr 3, 202501:01:32Tap to summarizeStarting a business is one thing—figuring out everything no one tells you? That’s a whole different story. In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Ford, a stay-at-home mom turned CEO, who went from searching for a bounce house for her daughter’s birthday to launching a thriving bounce house rental business of her own.We dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship—the late nights, the financial risks, the unexpected sacrifices—and how she’s learning to balance building a business while being present for her kids. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to turn a passion into a profitable business (while still trying to keep up with laundry), this episode is for you!WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/bounce-around-knox
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