Podcast
tena talks
Hosted by Tena Pettis · EN
Hi, my name is tena and I talk... a lot. So I figured I may as well put these vocal chords to good use. This isn't my first podcast but it just might be my last. See, my passions are probably not unlike yours - they are plentiful and kind of all over the place. I can hardly be defined by one area of expertise when it comes to biz and I love things like weiner dogs, a good game night and books - all the books. So honestly it just made sense to brand me. This brings us to this show - tena talks. I think you may just get a kick out of it.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
what I’m not taking into 2026. [168]
Jan 100:14:42Tap to summarizeI have always loved the idea of decluttering.I’m not a full minimalist, but I want to be. I love the calm of less. I love the clarity it brings. And I’ve learned (the hard way) that when my space is heavy, my brain usually is too.This episode started because I decluttered 2025 in 2025—and now I’m doing the same thing with 2026. Not in a dramatic, rip-the-house-apart way. Just intentionally asking: What doesn’t need to come with me?Especially after closing tena.cious and the salon, I realized how much stuff I was holding onto that belonged to old seasons. Boxes, papers, things I hadn’t touched—but also hadn’t released.-------------------------------------------------------What I Talk About in This EpisodeMy long-standing obsession with decluttering and my wannabe minimalismWhy clutter piled up after closing businesses—and what that taught meWatching Hoarders and realizing clutter is almost never about the stuffWhat I’ve learned (and borrowed) from Marie Kondo and Minimal Mom, including:If you can replace it for $20 or less, let it goThe container rule (your space decides, not your emotions)Why 5 minutes actually matters more than an all-day purgeThe difference between organizing clutter and actually reducing it-------------------------------------------------------A Few Stats Worth Sitting With80% of Americans feel overwhelmed by home clutterA cluttered space can reduce creativity by up to 20%50% of people say clutter makes it hard to find what they needUnread emails and digital files create mental clutter that increases stress and lowers performance (Cleveland Clinic)The average American household has over 300,000 items, and most people say it’s too much-------------------------------------------------------Resources I Mentioned2026 Declutter Sheet This is what I’m using to track what I’m intentionally not bringing into the year ahead: 👉 https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8MK0aTbU/yUKhyC7pvNGw_6xhCQYzfw/edit?utm_content=DAG8MK0aTbU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebuttonPermission Slip Instagram Channel This is where I’m sharing updates, reflections, and a 2026 declutter challenge: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZkRMwMdSB6vt8o/?igsh=d3l0bXZ4Y2FqNXV1-------------------------------------------------------Final ThoughtBefore you decide what you want more of in 2026,it might be worth deciding what you’re done carrying.Less stuff.Less noise.More room to think.If this episode resonated, come join the conversation inside the Permission Slip channel. I’ll be there—decluttering one decision at a time.
Transcribe →different season, different rules [167]
Dec 2400:22:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share a moment from my son Leighton’s Junior Gold hockey season that stopped me in my tracks.For the first time, I noticed teams shaking hands before the game instead of after. At first, it felt a little ridiculous. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.These are 15- and 16-year-old boys. They’ve been trash-talked for 90 minutes. Emotions are high. Bodies are tired.So the adults changed the rule—not because tradition was wrong, but because the season was different.That moment sent my business brain spinning.I talk about the changes I’ve made that felt the same way:Hiring my first graphic designer when design was part of my identityClosing tena.cious, even though it “worked” and made sense to everyone elseLetting go of hustle-heavy seasons that once fit, but no longer didThere was a time when more content, more offers, and more hustle made sense.Now, consistency beats intensity.Connection beats reach.Depth beats scale.Same woman.New rules.We also talk about the quiet thoughts so many women carry:“I built this business on grit, but I don’t have grit like that anymore.”“If I slow down, people will think I couldn’t handle it.”“This still makes money, but I dread delivering it.”“I don’t want to quit… but I don’t want to do this forever.”And why those thoughts don’t mean you’re failing—they mean something has shifted.I also share stories from women I deeply respect—like Sara Capecchi of Capecchi & Company and Kim Peterson, founder of KPT Collaborative and KPT Mortgage—who made intentional changes not because something failed, but because they could feel the season shifting and chose to lead ahead of it.You can learn more about their work here:🔗 Sara Capecchi – https://www.capecchiandcompany.com/🔗 Kim Peterson – https://kptcollaborative.com/ + https://www.kptmortgage.com/If this episode feels like it’s poking at something for you, here’s what I want you to know:You’re not inconsistent.You’re not flaky.And you’re not failing.You’re in a new season.This is the work I do inside FLOW—helping women adjust the rules before burnout, resentment, or exhaustion makes the decision for them.If you’re curious, you can learn more here:👉 www.tenapettis.com/flowNo rush.No pressure.Just an invitation.What are you still doing in your business simply because it used to work—even though your season of life and definition of success have changed?Sometimes the tradition isn’t wrong.It’s just outdated for the season you’re in.Tena Pettiswww.tenapettis.comwww.intagram.com/tenapettis
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when nostalgia is the marketing plan. [166]
Dec 1600:18:28Tap to summarizeOkay, let’s just get this out of the way. I don’t like McDonald’s. But I do love marketing. I can sniff out a good marketing strategy from a mile away.So when the Grinch fries started trending, I knew something was up. And when I realized they also dropped an adult Happy Meal with socks and DIY fry salt, I thought, oh, they are not playing. They are going straight for the 80’s kid in all of us.Here is the truth. They are not selling fries. They are selling the feeling of being 8 again.In this episode, I walk you through the entire promo from the socks (yes, four pairs, and yes, I would need to collect them all) to the shaking the salt in the bag moment that people cannot stop filming for the gram. McDonald’s basically built an experience around french fries. And it worked.And if your brain has not already started spinning with ideas for your own business, it will.Because nostalgia is one of the most powerful marketing tools we have and almost no one is using it intentionally.In this conversation, we dive into:Why we are always selling a feeling, not a productHow nostalgia makes people feel more like themselves and why that mattersThe NKOTB moment in my book and why my editor instantly knew I was her peopleThe purple Grimace playground chair and how identity lives in momentsThe conference DJ who nailed her audience with one songThe dōTERRA Breathe oil that smells exactly like Vicks VapoRub and why it always hitsWhy pop culture references make you instantly relatableHow nostalgia can turn your marketing from noise into a dopamine hitThen we take it further and talk about how you can add nostalgia into your brand this week. Nothing complicated. Nothing gimmicky. Just fun, smart, deeply human ideas you can put to work immediately.We talk about:Adding nostalgia to your offer through the name, the gift, or the experienceUsing throwback language and why it builds connectionCreating something collectible like stickers, badges, or punch cardsSharing childhood stories so your audience feels seen and connectedIf you have been feeling stuck, boring, overwhelmed, or like your content is blending in, nostalgia might be the cheat code you have been looking for. And honestly, this might be one of my favorite episodes so far.Let’s ConnectIf memories came flooding in while you listened, I want to hear them. Send me a message on Instagram @tenapettis and tell me what came up. Your Happy Meal toy, your TGIF lineup, your scent-trigger memory, all of it.Sharing this episode with a friend is the best way to support the show and it truly means a lot.Grab the BookIf nostalgia is your jam and you’re looking for your next biz read, you may just want to grab up my book over on Amazon: Remind Them of No One https://a.co/d/f5ccqkmTena Pettiswww.tenapettis.comwww.intagram.com/tenapettis
Transcribe →remind them of no one: the book + the backstory [165]
Aug 2800:26:02Tap to summarizeAfter 20+ years of carrying the dream of writing a book, I finally did it. But here’s the thing: Remind Them of No One is not what you might expect. In this episode, I’m sharing why I wrote it, what it’s really not about, and three lessons from the writing process that apply to any big dream you’re chasing.Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, launching a new project, or finally saying yes to the thing you’ve been sitting on—this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why I finally sat down to write the book (after decades of waiting).The moment my editor caught a big miss (yes, I forgot one of my kids 😳).Why resistance is actually a good sign when you’re chasing a dream.How clarity shows up once you start moving—never before.A cheat code you can apply right now to take one imperfect step forward.Links + Resources:Grab Remind Them of No One on Amazon (available August 20). https://a.co/d/23D1ShtCome celebrate at the launch party on September 11 — RSVP here. https://tenapettis.myflodesk.com/booklaunch
Transcribe →going to the chapel, and we're, gonna start a business. with Sarah Ball [164]
Feb 9, 202500:48:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tena Talks, we introduce Sarah Ball, a dynamic entrepreneur, owner of Snø Hill Chapel in Ellsworth, WI and co-founder of the ORIGIN Marriage Ministry (with me!). Sarah shares her inspiring journey, from her background as an ER nurse and health coach to her passion for event planning, community building and simply loving people well. She reveals how her dream of owning a little white chapel became a reality with Snø Hill Chapel, a historic Norwegian church transformed into a vibrant event center.Sarah and Tena discuss their shared passion for supporting marriages through ORIGIN Marriage Ministry, which hosts regular date nights to foster connection and intimacy among couples. They also touch on the serendipitous way they met through their mutual therapist, highlighting the power of unexpected friendships.This episode is the first in a series featuring Sarah, where she will delve deeper into her vision for Snø Hill Chapel and our shared mission with ORIGIN . Tune in for an uplifting conversation about turning dreams into reality and the importance of community and friendship. Sarah (Englund) Ball • www.instagram.com/sball1180Snø Hill Chapel • www.snohillchapel.com + www.instagram.com/snohillchapelTena Pettis • www.tenapettis.com + www.instagram.com/tenapettis Origin Marriage Ministry • www.instagram.com/originmarriage
Transcribe →can coffee build your biz? [163]
Jan 25, 202500:17:12Tap to summarizeTena Pettis is back! After a long break, Tena returns to the podcast, sharing how amazing it feels to hit the record button again. This episode dives into the magic of networking—specifically the unintentional yet impactful connections that happen in coffee shops. Tena shares personal anecdotes, lessons from her dad’s networking skills, and why face-to-face interactions can’t be replaced. Discover how your favorite local spots can become community hubs, fostering authentic relationships that support both personal and professional growth. Plus, hear how Tena uses these interactions to create meaningful connections for her business while reminiscing about her journey from small-town Minnesota to vibrant coffee shop communities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Return of the Podcast: Why Tena decided to restart and how her listeners motivated her comeback. The Essence of Networking: Moving beyond traditional networking events and business cards to create authentic, organic connections. Coffee Shop Magic: Why coffee shops are the perfect spaces for building community and fostering relationships. Lessons from Tena’s Dad: How her father’s approach to networking—whether at the grocery store or local watering holes—inspired her to embrace face-to-face connections. Practical Tips for Networking: How to turn everyday interactions into opportunities for growth. The Value of Local Spaces: The role of familiarity, intentionality, and community in creating strong networks. Notable Quotes: “There’s nothing that replaces in-person connections—seeing someone’s face, their expressions, and being able to give them a hug.” “Coffee shops are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re hubs of community and connection.” Connect with Tena: Instagram: @tenapettis Website: www.tenapettis.com Join the Conversation:Are you excited about Tena’s return? Have you experienced the magic of organic networking? Share your thoughts and coffee shop stories on Instagram or leave a comment on the podcast page. Episode Challenge:Find a local coffee shop, strike up a conversation, or reconnect with an old friend. See how the power of small, intentional interactions can create big impacts in your life and business. Start brewing your favorite coffee, grab your notebook, and tune in to this heartwarming and actionable episode!
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the entrepreneur's dilemma: working on vs. in your business. [162]
Oct 19, 202300:15:54Tap to summarizehi, my friends! Welcome back to another episode of "tena talks" I'm Tena Pettis, and today, we're diving deep into a topic that's close to every entrepreneur's heart – finding that delicate balance between working in your business and working on your business. We'll define these terms, uncover their significance, and explore how you can shift your focus for long-term success. So, let's get right to it. What do I mean by "working in" and "working on" your business? Working in your business involves the daily grind – those tasks like fulfilling orders or providing services. In contrast, working on your business entails activities like creating new programs, updating your website, and crafting marketing content that drive future growth. Now, let's tackle the big question – why is this dilemma so important? Working in your business often means immediate cash flow – it's the essential lifeblood of your operation. However, working on your business is an investment in your future, where you'll see cash flow later. The work you're doing today might not yield results for 3-6 months, but this typically applies to the work done when you're working on your business. So, how do we make that shift in focus? Here's a three-step plan: Choose one pivotal aspect of your business to work on right now – something that will bring you a concrete win. Dedicate specific time in your schedule to these critical tasks. Making working on your business a priority is essential. Paint a vivid picture of what these efforts will achieve when they're completed. Visualize the impact and benefits they'll bring to your business. To bring this dilemma to life, let me share a few real-life examples of times I've successfully shifted my focus from working in to working on my business: Productivity Retreats: These retreats allowed me to step away from the daily grind and focus on strategic planning and growth. "Fall in Love with Twitter" Online Course: Taking 3 days to write, design and launch a new online course. "Contagiously Confident" Program: Creating this program not only generated income but also expanded my brand's reach and reputation. "FLOW" Group Membership: One week to pull together an idea and create an entire community. Here is more information on this current membership: www.tenapettis.com/flow So there you have it, my friends – the entrepreneur's dilemma, working on versus in your business. It's a challenge we all face, and by understanding the distinction and taking deliberate steps to shift your focus, you can pave the way for long-term success and sustainability. Thanks for joining me today on "tena talks". Be sure to subscribe for more insightful discussions on the journey of entrepreneurship. - tena pettis www.tenapettis.com www.instagram.com/tenapettis
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do you have a parent coach? [161]
Sep 7, 202300:37:44Tap to summarizeI interrupt this somewhat mostly biz podcast to shed some bright lights on parenting. If you are a mama or dad to littles (meaning, anyone that lives in your house rent free) -- this episode will surely be a breathe of fresh air for you. I have had a coach in nearly every area of my life, but a parent coach was not one of them. When I met Pam (my guest today) I just knew I had to learn more about her practice and message. Pam Thompson is a Certified Parent Coach with Connected Families who specializes in grace, truth and hope. She has 4 messages she wants every parent to be able to learn and implement for themselves and their kids: 1. You are safe with me. 2. You are loved no matter what. 3. You are called and capable. 4. You are responsible for your actions. The details she goes into on this episode about these 4 messages are ones you will want to write down! I cried. It doesn't happen often, but when it does -- you know it. This topic of parenting is a tough one for me. We have had our fair share of 'I knew that happened... but not to me or my kids'. Thankfully I've never been the parent to say 'my kids will never...' phew, cause that was most certainly a close one. We have walked thru much of it really messy with a lot of sorry's and I love you's. These messages from Pam have been so helpful to truly bring grace, truth and hope to our home. You can contact Pam on her website www.cordsofhopecoaching.com or email cordsofhopecoaching@gmail.com - tena pettis www.tenapettis.com www.instagram.com/tenapettis
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getting some hate? here's 4 tips to grow from it. [160]
Aug 31, 202300:12:52Tap to summarizeSo, let me dive into how I handle all that negativity and hate that can sometimes creeps into the biz journey. It's a real game-changer when you can pinpoint whether it's coming from within you or those external sources. Just recently a client came to me and asked how to handle some real negative vibes from her own family, believe it or not. Can you imagine? I made sure to drive home the point that understanding their perspective doesn't mean you sacrifice your own uniqueness. It's not always easy, but I attempt to keep my focus on personal growth and development, reminding myself not to take things personally. AND »» Speaking of growth, I can't stress enough how vital it is to surround yourself with the right people for advice. You know, those go-to folks who've got your back and won't lead you astray. Ahem... I am that person for many and happy to be yours! I've def had my fair share of 'haters gonna hate' situation and this podcast episode I share stories (yes, the hate ones) and how I grew from them! So, if you're on this journey and want to ride the wave of negativity to growth, I'm all ears. And hey, let's keep this convo going – catch me on social media, and we'll dive even deeper. - tena pettis Business + Marketing Coach www.tenapettis.com www.instagram.com/tenapettis
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3 ways to effectively use AI in your business today. [159]
Jul 25, 202300:16:33Tap to summarizeA quick run-thru of what is AI and HOW can you effectively use it in your business right now! Step One: Sign up for https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt Step Two: Soak up all the awesomeness in this episode where I walk thru how to write or edit your bio for anywhere online, create social prompts and long form marketing using AI. Ready - Go! - tena pettis Would love if you joined F L O W » Reveal Your Brand, Create Your Systems + Attract Your Ideal Clients www.tenapettis.com/flow
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