Podcast
Unfiltered Sessions
Hosted by Philip Sessions · EN
Unfiltered Sessions Podcast
Raw. Real. Unfiltered.
Building a business isn’t just about numbers and strategy—it’s about long hours, sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of something bigger than yourself. Unfiltered Sessions is where we strip away the fluff and talk about what it really takes to scale a business, balance life, and delegate like a pro.
From personal updates on the journey of growing my own business to candid conversations with entrepreneurs and industry experts, this podcast is about the real stories behind success—the struggles, the wins, and the lessons learned along the way.
If you're a business owner trying to do it all, wondering how to scale without burning out, or just looking for honest conversations about life and entrepreneurship, you're in the right place.
No filters. No sugarcoating. Just the truth about business, life, and the power of delegation.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5 Hiring Mistakes That Pushed Me to Build an Agency
Jan 1400:07:03Tap to summarizeI didn’t set out to run an agency.I was pushed there by bad hires, unclear roles, broken systems, and the quiet frustration of still doing the work I hired people to take off my plate.In this episode, I walk through the five hiring mistakes that completely changed how I build teams and lead a business. These aren’t theories. These are real lessons learned the hard way mistakes I see business owners repeat every single day.You’ll hear:Why hiring before defining the role sets everyone up to failThe difference between assigning tasks and giving real ownershipHow staying involved turns you into the bottleneck you’re trying to escapeWhy blaming people is usually a systems problem in disguiseThe leadership mistake that quietly kills team performanceAt the end of it all, one truth became clear: most business owners don’t need more people they need better structure and shared accountability.That realization is what led us to move from simple VA placement to an agency model built around systems, clarity, and execution.If you’ve been burned by hiring if you feel like you’re still stuck in the weeds or if building a team has felt harder than it should, this episode will change how you think about leadership.Listen in, learn from my mistakes, and start building a team that actually works.🌐 Learn more about what I do at: https://www.refinedva.com/🎙️ Audio Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1964444/dashboardLet’s stay connected across all platforms:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →Stop Doing These 5 Things If You Want to Grow Your Business
Aug 13, 202500:03:58Tap to summarizeIf You're Still Doing These 5 Tasks, You're Not a Business Owner You're an Overpaid AdminYou didn't build a business to spend your days deep in emails and Canva.In this episode, Phillip Sessions (founder of Refined VA) reveals the five tasks you must delegate immediately if you want to stop being the bottleneck in your business. From email management to video editing, these time-sucking tasks are costing you thousands in missed opportunities.You’ll learn:Why starting your day in your inbox puts you in a defensive, reactive stateHow social media posting (not creating) is draining your time and focusWhy appointment scheduling and lead follow-ups are secretly holding you backThe smarter way to approach video editing without touching a timelineWhat real leadership looks like for the modern dadpreneur✅ If you're still editing your own reels, writing every caption, or chasing leads… you're doing $10/hour tasks and ignoring your $1,000/hour opportunities.👉 Want to buy back 10+ hours of your time this week? Drop “VA” in the comments or head to RefinedVA.com to book a call.🌐 Learn more about what I do at: https://www.refinedva.com/🎙️ Audio Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1964444/dashboardLet’s stay connected across all platforms:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →Start Creating Even If You Suck!
Aug 6, 202500:05:35Tap to summarizeStop Overthinking. Start Posting. The Real Secret to Content CreationStruggling to hit a record? Waiting until everything’s “perfect” before posting? That hesitation is killing your momentum and your brand.In this episode, Phillip Sessions (founder of Refined VA) shares the raw truth about getting started with video content especially if you're a busy dadpreneur trying to show up online and be present with your family. Spoiler: your first few videos will suck but that's exactly how it’s supposed to be.You’ll learn:Why the “foggy road” analogy perfectly explains your content journeyWhat most new creators get wrong (and why it’s costing them attention)Why raw and real beats polished and perfect in 2025The simple 10-video challenge to find your voice and nicheHow to know what content is actually working for youWhy you need to experiment and stay consistentPlus, Phillip gives you permission to drop the excuses and just START because clarity comes from action, not analysis.If you’re ready to finally break through and show up consistently on social media, this one’s for you.🌐 Learn more about what I do at: https://www.refinedva.com/🎙️ Audio Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1964444/dashboardLet’s stay connected across all platforms:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →The UGLY TRUTH Behind Content Creation
Jul 30, 202500:07:10Tap to summarizeThe Harsh Reality of Posting Content (and Why You Should Keep Going Anyway)Nobody tells you this part: the more content you post, the more pushback you’ll get.In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when you show up consistently online, especially when your content starts making people think. Whether you're just getting started or leveling up your online presence, you need to hear this.I’m Phillip Sessions, founder of Refined VA, where we help busy Dadpreneurs buy back their time through strategic virtual assistant support focused on social media. But today’s episode is less about strategy… and more about the mental game of content creation.You’ll hear:Why likes and praise in the beginning eventually fadeHow bold opinions (even faith-based ones) trigger pushback but boost visibilityA real post I shared that went semi-viral and stirred the potHow to use controversy strategically without compromising your valuesWhy haters are a sign you’re doing something rightThis is your permission to post with boldness, lead with clarity, and be unafraid to stand for what matters to you.If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself after hitting “publish”… this episode is for you.📲 Let’s connect:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →The Secret That Made My Marriage Stronger!
Jul 23, 202500:08:33Tap to summarizeYour Marriage Comes First (Yes, Even Before Business)You’re building a business. You’re showing up for clients, hustling for leads, chasing that vision… but how’s your marriage holding up?In this honest and raw episode, I Phillip Sessions, founder of Refined VA open up about the lessons I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way when it comes to loving your wife with intention. No, I’m not a marriage counselor, but as a fellow husband and Dadpreneur, I’ve been in the trenches… and I know the tension between wanting to lead at home and lead in business.From showing up without expecting anything in return, to listening beyond the words, to creating emotional security through consistencythis episode dives deep into what it really takes to build a stronger marriage as a man of faith and responsibility.👔 What you'll hear:Why “checking the box” doesn’t count as loveHow to become the Ephesians 5 man your wife needsWhat listening to her tone can reveal that words don’tThe real reason you're not getting the love you crave (and how to fix it)Why your marriage success fuels your business successWhether you're just starting to feel the cracks or want to build a rock-solid foundation, this episode is for the husbands who refuse to settle for their marriage, their family, or their legacy.💡 Real talk. Real action steps. Real growth.📲 Let’s connect:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →Save Time & Grow Fast with a Virtual Assistant! (Entrepreneur Needs)
Jul 16, 202500:32:14Tap to summarizeFeeling overwhelmed doing everything yourself? In this episode, we dive deep into the game-changing power of outsourcing and virtual assistant services. Learn how delegating the right tasks, from funnel building to social media management to answering calls, can help you reclaim hours in your week and refocus on growing your business.Hear real stories from entrepreneurs who transformed their workload and mindset by building smart teams and simplifying their tech stacks. Plus, discover the emotional shift that happens when you stop doing it all and start leading instead.Whether you’re a solopreneur ready to grow or a business owner drowning in daily tasks, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation to finally scale without burning out.Tune in and start freeing your time today!Key Points:Why many corporate tasks can be done in half the time by a skilled VAThe strategic advantage of outsourcing funnel and landing page creationHow using the right software stack reduces overwhelm and boosts productivityBalancing US-based vs. overseas VAs for phone answering and non-phone tasksThe emotional relief of outsourcing and reclaiming your timeReal business growth stories: From cold calling to building a full-service VA agencyThe importance of simplifying tools to avoid "tool overload"How outsourcing opens space for you to focus on high-level business strategy and personal goals Come and join me, along with two amazing guests, for a great conversation you won’t want to miss! Support the show
Transcribe →Why Networking With The Same People Builds More Business Than Meeting New Ones
Jul 16, 202500:04:05Tap to summarizeThe Real Secret to Networking: It’s Not What You ThinkYou already know you should be networking. But what if the key isn’t constantly meeting new people but going deeper with the ones you already know?In this episode, recorded from beautiful downtown Greenville, SC, I break down how re-networking, intentionally reconnecting with the same people, has been a game-changer in my personal and professional life. I share my own mindset shift, why showing up consistently matters more than chasing new contacts, and how real relationships turn into real referrals.Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or just someone trying to grow your influence and impact, this episode will challenge what you think you know about networking and give you a better way to do it.🎧 Listen in to learn:Why repeat connections > random new onesHow to build genuine rapport that leads to trustWhy people refer you, not just your serviceThe hidden power of being consistent in your circlesThis one’s not just about business, it's about becoming the person people want to do business with.📲 Let’s connect:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →How Getting UNCOMFORTABLE Helped Me Pay Off $75K Debt in 2 Years
Jul 9, 202500:06:04Tap to summarizeUncomfortable Now, Comfortable Later: How I Changed My Life by Making One Bold DecisionWhen was the last time you did something uncomfortable on purpose?In this raw and relatable episode, I take you behind the scenes of one of the most pivotal seasons of my life. From job loss and mounting debt to a drastic move across states, selling my dream truck, and moving in with college roommates... yeah, I got real uncomfortable.But through those decisions, I completely shifted the trajectory of my life paying off over $75K in debt, rebuilding my financial foundation, and finding peace I didn’t know was possible.If you're in a season where it feels like nothing is changing, this episode is your wake-up call: Discomfort now = freedom later. I break down the mindset, the math, and the moves you can make to escape survival mode and start building a life that actually works.🎧 Tune in to hear:The real story behind my leap of faithHow I cut expenses in half (without sacrificing my sanity)What finally got me out of $75,000 in debtA powerful question you need to ask yourself todayThis one’s for anyone who knows they’re meant for more—but needs that push to make the uncomfortable move.📲 Let’s connect:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →[EP2 Business Audit] From Chaos to Control: How This Contractor Is Scaling Smart with Systems & a VA
Jul 2, 202500:17:21Tap to summarizeUnfiltered Sessions | Business Audit with Cameron Phillips, Building a Construction Biz from the Ground UpIn this episode of Unfiltered Sessions, Phillip Sessions sits down with Cameron Phillips, owner of Phillips Construction, for a raw and real-time business audit. Cameron shares how he launched his construction company with zero entrepreneurial background and what it’s taken to stay afloat, and grow, over the past 18 months.From struggling with systems and bookkeeping to training up his first full-time team member, Cameron opens up about the challenges and wins of building a business while being in the trenches. Phillip walks him through practical steps to buy back time, delegate more effectively, and start scaling with purpose.Whether you're a new business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur needing a wake-up call on delegation and leadership, this episode will fire you up and give you tactical next steps to stop doing it all yourself.Topics Covered:Building systems before scalingHow to train your first employee into a leadership roleWhat to outsource first in a growing businessUsing ChatGPT to create SOPsWhy mission and values matter (even with a small team)🚀 Ready to stop working in your business and start working on it? Hit play and listen in.📲 Follow me everywhere for DAILY game-changing content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
Transcribe →Is Podcasting the Secret to Business Success?
Jun 25, 202500:33:35Tap to summarizeUnfiltered Sessions: How Podcasting Can Power Your Business with Rayna, the Podcast Growth CoachIn this episode of The Unfiltered Sessions, we're getting real about podcasting not just how to start one, but how to leverage it to grow your brand, connect with your audience, and become a voice of authority in your industry.Host Phillip sits down with Rayna, a former international teacher turned podcast growth coach, who shares her powerful journey from the classroom to full-time entrepreneurship. You’ll hear how she navigated early challenges, found her niche, and used her own podcasting experience to build credibility and a thriving coaching business.Whether you're brand new to the idea of podcasting, considering launching your own show, or want to grow the one you’ve already started, this episode is packed with practical tips on building traction, finding your voice, creating connection through content, and how to use your podcast as a lead magnet without sounding salesy.🎧 You’ll learn:How Rayna turned her passion into a full-time businessWhy guesting on podcasts is a smart first stepWhat makes solo episodes so powerful for personal brandingWhy beta programs are underrated growth toolsThe secret to building trust with your audience (hint: it’s not Instagram)If you're ready to become the voice your audience can’t stop listening to, hit play. This episode is a must for any entrepreneur, coach, or content creator who wants to turn their mic into momentum.⚡ RESOURCES & LINKS→ Book a Free Discovery Call with Rayna: [https://calendly.com/rayna-ladiesfirst/connect<…] → Listen to Podcast Growth Club (Rayna’s show): [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-growth-club-podcasting-tips-podcast-growth/id1744983027] → Connect with me on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/podcastgrowthcoaching/?hl=en]📲 Follow me everywhere for DAILY game-changing content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessionsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessionsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/philipsessionsSupport the show
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