Podcast
The RBL Media Podcast
Hosted by RBL Media · EN
The RBL Media Podcast is for the rule-breakers, the misfits, and the ones who refuse to blend in. Entrepreneurship isn’t polished—it’s raw, relentless, and rebellious. Here, we spotlight the founders and creators who go against the grain, disrupt the norm, and build brands that actually matter. If you’re carving your own path and daring to do business differently, this is your space.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Sustainable Project Management Tools for Success
2w ago00:38:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Pua dives deep into the world of project management systems, client portals, and business organization tools. She shares the real behind-the-scenes evolution of RBL Media’s workflow, from platforms like Trello, Asana, ClickUp, and Kajabi to building a fully customized Notion workspace. Pualena explores the challenges of all-in-one platforms, sustainable systems, KPI tracking, tech stack management, and creating workflows that actually support long-term growth and team collaboration. Pua breaks down why many project management systems fail—not because of the software itself, but because of inconsistent team buy-in and unsustainable processes. She discusses the importance of communication, transparency, and flexibility when building systems that serve both internal teams and clients. From client portals to SOP creation, KPI dashboards, automation, and AI-assisted workflows, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and agency owners looking to streamline operations without overcomplicating their business. Pua also shares why she’s shifting away from relying entirely on all-in-one platforms and instead building a more diversified, adaptable tech stack. She opens up about the lessons learned from years of experimenting with tools, the hidden costs of subscriptions and integrations, and how platforms like Notion and Claude are helping RBL Media create more intentional, sustainable workflows. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, service provider, or growing agency owner, this episode offers a transparent and relatable look into building systems that evolve with your business. Resources discussed in this episode: Kajabi Notion ClickUp Trello Asana Claude AI Zapier Calendly Workflow Markup.io Loom Basecamp -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Taking Control of Hustle Culture & Building an Authentic Brand with Rachel Lee
4w ago00:59:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Pua sits down with brand designer Rachel Lee to unpack the realities of hustle culture, the power of personal branding, and what it truly means to build a business that feels aligned. From navigating burnout to embracing authenticity, Rachel shares her journey of redefining success on her own terms. Together, they dive into the evolution of branding and web design, discussing why long, drawn-out projects often fail both clients and designers, and how a more streamlined, strategy-first approach leads to better outcomes. They explore the role of AI in the creative process, the importance of trusting your instincts as a business owner, and why storytelling (especially on your “About” page) is one of the most powerful tools in building trust and connection. Rachel opens up about her personal journey through burnout, debt, and identity shifts, revealing how embracing her true self transformed both her life and her business. This conversation is a raw and honest look at entrepreneurship, covering topics like hustle culture, self-care, authenticity in marketing, client relationships, and building a brand that actually reflects who you are, not who you think you need to be. About Rachel Lee Rachel Lee is a brand designer and creative entrepreneur known for her bold, immersive approach to personal branding and web design. Through her work, she helps business owners translate their ideas, values, and personality into visual identities that feel deeply aligned and authentic. After navigating her own journey through burnout, financial stress, and identity misalignment, Rachel rebuilt her business around radical self-expression and intentional design. Today, she empowers entrepreneurs to embrace who they truly are, showing up online with confidence, clarity, and a brand that genuinely connects. -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Contact Rachel Lee: Website Instagram LinkedIn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Nourishing Women’s Health Through Traditional Chinese Medicine with Karen Jee
Apr 2800:41:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Pua sits down with Karen Jee, founder of Glow Within Wellness, to explore how traditional Chinese medicine and intentional nourishment can support women’s hormonal health. Karen shares her personal healing journey from severe eczema, PCOS, and painful periods to building a wellness practice that helps women address root causes through food, balance, and gentle daily habits. This conversation is a beautiful introduction to cyclical nourishment, warm foods, seasonal eating, and the power of using food as medicine. Karen breaks down some of the foundational principles behind her work, including the importance of balance, yin and yang, the energetic qualities of food, and how women can better support their bodies throughout different phases of their cycle. She and Pua discuss why period pain may be common but not necessarily normal, how cold foods can affect digestion, the role of warm cooked meals in supporting the body, and why cravings may offer valuable insight into what the body needs. The conversation also dives into practical ways to make this work feel approachable in everyday life. Karen shares her philosophy around simple kitchen systems, quick broths and stocks, the five flavors in traditional Chinese medicine, and why restrictive meal plans often miss the mark. They also talk about Karen’s 90-day healing program for women, her in-person workshops on Oahu, and her postpartum meal support for new moms. This episode is a nourishing, empowering listen for any woman ready to feel more connected to her body and better supported through food. About Karen Jee Karen Jee is the founder of Glow Within Wellness and a trained traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapist. She helps women support their hormonal health through intentional, nourishing food rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic principles. After navigating her own healing journey with severe eczema, PCOS, and painful periods, Karen turned to food as medicine and built a practice centered on helping women address root causes with gentle, sustainable support. Through her programs, workshops, and postpartum services, she teaches women how to restore balance, feel deeply nourished, and work with their bodies instead of against them. -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Contact Karen Jee | Glow Within Wellness Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →The Clients Who Push Back the Most Need You The Most
Apr 1400:21:19Tap to summarizeResistance in the design process isn’t always a red flag; it’s often a signal. In this episode, Pua breaks down what client pushback really means and how agency owners can reframe it as an opportunity to build trust, uncover deeper fears, and create better brand outcomes. If you’ve ever struggled with “difficult” clients, this episode will shift your perspective. Resistance shows up in many forms, from clients questioning every decision to changing direction mid-project, or going silent when it’s time to take action. While many agency owners are taught to avoid or filter out these “red flag” clients, Pua offers a different perspective: the clients who push back the most are often the ones who need your expertise the most. This episode explores how shifting your mindset from frustration to curiosity can transform not only your client relationships but also your results. At its core, brand work is identity work. Pua dives into the emotional side of branding and explains why resistance is often rooted in deeper fears: fear of being seen, fear of commitment, or fear of not being heard. For many entrepreneurs, building a brand requires stepping into visibility and making defining decisions, both of which can feel incredibly vulnerable. Understanding these underlying drivers allows designers and agency owners to better support their clients through the process. Pua also shares practical strategies for navigating resistance, including active listening, reflecting back what you’re hearing, and asking better questions. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for clients to work through their fears without delaying progress. While not all clients are the right fit (and some simply aren’t ready), approaching resistance with empathy rather than defensiveness can lead to powerful breakthroughs, stronger trust, and ultimately, better brand outcomes. -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Who do you serve? Building your brand strategy!
Mar 3100:35:25Tap to summarizeIf your marketing feels off, inconsistent, or just isn’t working, the problem likely isn’t your marketing, but your brand strategy. In this episode, Pua breaks down how clarity, consistency, and strong positioning are the real drivers behind effective marketing, and why skipping this foundational work leads to confusion, burnout, and missed opportunities. Pua dives into the difference between brand identity (what people see) and brand strategy (the thinking behind it), and why both are essential for building trust. She shares real-world examples of how inconsistent visuals, unclear messaging, and constant pivots can erode credibility, while a strong, well-defined brand creates predictability, which is one of the most important factors in converting clients. You’ll also learn a practical framework to build brand clarity, including understanding who you are, who you serve, what you stand for, and how you show up. Plus, Pua highlights common signs your brand needs attention, like attracting the wrong clients, struggling to explain what you do, or relying too heavily on AI-generated content that lacks personality. This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to simplify your marketing and build a brand that actually works. -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →The Stories That Build Your Brand (And Why They Don’t Need to Be Perfect)
Mar 1700:28:28Tap to summarizeStorytelling is one of the most powerful ways entrepreneurs can build trust, connection, and alignment with their audience. In this episode, Pua explores why many business owners feel pressure to craft a dramatic “origin story,” and why that pressure can actually hold people back from sharing the stories that truly matter. Instead of focusing on one defining moment, she encourages entrepreneurs to recognize that they have a collection of meaningful stories that can create connection and deepen relationships with their audience. Pua explains how storytelling supports personal branding, authentic marketing, and small business marketing by helping people understand who you are, what you value, and why someone might choose to work with you over another business offering a similar service. She shares practical ways to begin building a personal “story library” through journaling, blogging, or other content marketing strategies. You’ll come away from this episode with a list of prompts to spark ideas, from lessons learned the hard way to moments of imposter syndrome, small wins, and mindset shifts. Pua also discusses the importance of authenticity in a world filled with overly polished AI-generated content, reminding listeners that imperfect, honest storytelling often creates the strongest trust, engagement, and long-term connections with an audience. -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Stop Doing It All: From Solo Operator to Collaborative Ecosystem
Mar 300:18:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the RBL Media Podcast, Pua dives into a powerful mindset shift that’s transforming both her life and her business: moving from generalization to specialization. If you’ve been wearing all the hats in your business, this conversation is your invitation to rethink what’s possible. Pua unpacks the difference between outsourcing to “buy back your time” and intentionally building a collaborative ecosystem where every specialist thrives in their zone of genius. Drawing inspiration from Native Hawaiian culture and the concept of communal specialization, Pua shares how ancient ecosystems thrived when each person focused on their unique role. She explores how this philosophy applies to modern entrepreneurship, especially for agency owners ready to evolve beyond the “do-it-all” phase. From navigating the financial fears of bringing on contractors to understanding how project pricing really works, Pua breaks down the practical and mindset components of building a win-win team structure that benefits you, your collaborators, and your clients. You’ll walk away with tangible action steps, including how to audit your time, identify what lights you up (and what drains you), refine your systems, and begin bringing in the right support, one role at a time. If you’re ready to stop operating as a jack-of-all-trades and start building a business rooted in clarity, collaboration, and sustainable growth, this episode is for you! -- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Scaling Solo - A Masterclass in Cutting the BS to Scale Your Business, with Pia Silva
Feb 1701:00:25Tap to summarizePua sits down with Pia Silva, founder of No BS Mastery, to break down the “cut the BS” agency model, which uses a paid lead product to build trust fast, shorten timelines, and deliver premium branding and websites in as little as two days. In this conversation, Pia explains why most agencies get stuck in the “default model,” which is based on free proposals, drawn-out timelines, endless feedback loops, and energy-draining back-and-forth that kills profit and momentum. She shares how compressing the timeline doesn’t reduce value; it increases it by removing the noise and keeping clients from spiraling into design-by-committee.You’ll also hear Pia’s Lead Product Method (her “Brand Shrink”), how it replaces uncomfortable selling with a clear next step, and why specificity builds more trust (not less!) They unpack practical pricing advice (incremental increases + real market proof), the role of authority content in premium positioning, and why efficiency matters more than ever in a world trained by one-click purchasing and AI-fueled instant gratification.About Pia SilvaPia Silva is the founder of No BS Mastery and the co-owner of the branding and website agency Worst of All Design, which she runs with her husband, Steve. She’s known for her no-fluff approach to building profitable, freedom-based service businesses, especially for small agencies that want to deliver better work in less time without sacrificing quality.Through her training and frameworks, Pia teaches agency owners how to increase value, shorten delivery timelines, sell with clarity, and build authority that attracts premium clients. She’s also the author of the upcoming book Scale Solo, which dives deeper into the model and mindset behind scaling a small, expert-led business.-- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.coFacebook: RBL-MediaTwitter: @RBLMedia_coInstagram: @RBL.MediaContact Pia Silva | Worst of All Design/No BS Mastery Program: Website: Worst of All DesignWebsite: No BS MasteryPia’s Scale Solo book InstagramLinkedIn: Pia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Human-First Design & Why Most Websites Fail
Nov 1100:34:54Tap to summarizeFresh off the UXHI conference, Pua shares her nuanced take on AI, breaking down why even many top leaders in tech and UX design believe AI won’t replace thoughtful design. She lays out the current issues with “AI slop,” the self-licking ice cream cone problem, and why critical thinking, user empathy, and real conversations still beat formulas. Because ultimately, the goal is to create content that builds trust, not volume.In a world where AI is in all of our thoughts and starting to take root in many of our processes, Pua reminds us that while AI can accelerate workflows, it can’t replicate human creativity, intuition, or integrity. True impact still comes from the designer’s ability to connect emotionally, think critically, and craft real, human-centred experiences. Resources discussed in this episode:UXHI ConferenceKajabi-- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.coFacebook: RBL-MediaTwitter: @RBLMedia_coInstagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Strengthening Human Connection Through CRMs with Brandon Drake
Oct 2800:52:30Tap to summarizeThis episode dives deep into the art of relationship-based business building. Brandon shares how his career evolved from data migration specialist to holistic nutrition coach to CRM consultant, allowing him to find a unique niche in bridging the gap between technology and humanity. Pua and Brandon discuss how automation can enhance authenticity when used with intention, and how entrepreneurs can simplify their systems without losing their personal touch. From categorizing contacts and improving email deliverability to common CRM mistakes (like buying contact lists or over-automating), Brandon offers practical tips for building CRM systems that feel personal and purposeful.This conversation shows how real ROI doesn’t just come from a tool; it comes from nurturing relationships that last. Whether you’re new to CRMs or looking to refine your setup, this conversation will inspire you to create systems that strengthen your business relationships. About Brandon DrakeBrandon is a relationship-driven CRM consultant and the founder of Healthy Data Guy, where he helps entrepreneurs and business owners leverage customer relationship management systems to enhance genuine human connection. With a unique background in both IT and holistic nutrition, Brandon’s unique approach blends technical expertise with empathy and strategy. His motto: Use CRMs to strengthen human connection in the digital age. Resources discussed in this episode:Brandon’s Guide to Choosing the Right CRM-- Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.coFacebook: RBL-MediaTwitter: @RBLMedia_coInstagram: @RBL.MediaContact Brandon Drake | Healthy Data Guy: Website: HealthyDataGuy.comInstagram: Healthy Data GuyFacebook: Healthy Data GuyLinkedin: Brandon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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