Biz & Banter in the Blue Room

About Biz & Banter in the Blue Room

For 30 years, martial arts was her purpose, not because of the kicks or the belts, but because of what lived underneath them: the belief that people are capable of far more than they think. She spent decades watching people discover something in themselves they didn't know was there, and that was both the dopamine and the point. When she stepped away, she expected to miss it, but she found the same rush every time she helped someone break through in business, in leadership, and in life. The arena changed, but the mission stayed the same. Biz and Banter in the Blue Room is built for your morning: a spark of inspiration to start your day, plus a business takeaway you can put to work before lunch. Every guest and topic is chosen deliberately, because the conversations people need go beyond tactics into mindset, culture, and the intentional choices that separate good from great. Pour the coffee. Press play. Go build your day.

Publisher

Stephanie Hammond

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

28 Jun 2026

Latest episode

1 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Nov 2026

   Biz & Banter E.17 | Reinvent, Pivot, Repeat with Tiyon Simpson

   Whose life are you truly living? Tiyon L. Simpson has rewritten his story more times than most people would dare. His first dream was soccer, following in his father’s footsteps. Then came music: recorder at five, piano at nine, then guitar, bass, and a music performance program. When music couldn’t pay the bills, he landed in a London private bank and spent nearly a decade in wealth management, rubbing shoulders with millionaires, sports stars, and celebrities while chasing the respect he thought that job would bring. Today Tiyon is an accredited coach, host of the Life of Someone Extraordinary podcast, and co-owner of Zotira Media, an international branding and marketing agency he runs with his wife, Rudina. In this episode, we dig into identity and why failure is an action you take and learn from. Tiyon shares why energy is reciprocal, why nothing grows in a storm, and how staying a big kid keeps him curious. He walks us through the three types of people he coaches (builders, restarters, and master builders), the lone wolf myth, and the brave decision that moved his family from the UK to Bulgaria. If you’ve ever chased a dream to make someone else proud, or you feel stuck in a life that doesn’t feel like yours, this episode is for you. Stay curious, protect your energy, and go live a life that’s truly yours. 🎙️ Connect with Tiyon 👇 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61595141763634 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61595141763634) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiyonlsimpson/ (https://www.instagram.com/tiyonlsimpson/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiyonlsimpson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiyonlsimpson/) 🔍Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tiyon L. Simpson 02:08 Journey Through Sports and Music 05:54 Corporate Career and Identity 11:56 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 18:07 The Importance of Energy and Nurturing in Business 24:15 The Power of Curiosity and Energy 26:38 Coaching: A Journey of Support and Growth 29:26 Identifying Different Types of Clients 30:39 The Importance of Identity in Coaching 31:46 Lessons Learned from Coaching 36:02 The Myth of the Lone Wolf 37:49 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 41:24 Introspection: Whose Life Are You Living?

2. 

   25 Oct 2026

   Biz & Banter E.16 | Takeholder vs. Stakeholder with Ashley Randall

   Are you a stakeholder or a takeholder on your team? Culture is an operational strategy, and Ashley Randall is here to show you why. Ashley is a human services consultant and the founder of Aspiring Redirection. She brings more than 20 years in human services and is finishing her master’s in industrial and organizational psychology, with a doctorate program next. She has seen what happens when decisions get made in boardroom silos, when the fixer becomes the expectation, and when leaders look the other way until a toxic culture is already set. Steph and Ashley talk about who belongs in the room when decisions get made, why psychological safety works as risk management, and how a policy rolled out in ten minutes can cost a year of turnover. They break down why what you tolerate becomes the norm and how one person with clear boundaries can start systemic change from any seat. Ashley shares the four questions she asks in every one-on-one, her prioritization boundary, and what she does for fun (hint: tiny wooden libraries). Then Steph puts her through “Takeholder or Stakeholder? (Culture Edition),” a rapid-fire round with a few calls you may want to argue with. This episode is for you if you have ever stayed quiet in the meeting and complained in the parking lot, or if you lead a team and wonder why engagement keeps slipping. Until next time, build your culture on purpose and show up as a stakeholder in everything you touch. Connect with Ashley: https://www.facebook.com/aspiringredirection/ (https://www.facebook.com/aspiringredirection/) 🔍Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Human Services Consulting 02:56 The Importance of Human-Centered Decision Making 06:00 Bridging the Gap in Leadership 08:48 Understanding Stakeholders vs. Takeholders 11:45 The Impact of Leadership on Organizational Culture 15:01 Empowering Individuals in Non-Leadership Roles 19:11 Navigating Unwritten Rules in the Workplace 20:47 Effective Communication: What Do You Need From Me? 22:51 Creating Meaningful Conversations with Staff 24:40 Addressing Toxic Behavior in the Workplace 27:37 Setting Healthy Boundaries for Leadership 30:57 Finding Balance: Personal Well-being and Professional Life 32:32 Fun and Mindfulness: Hobbies That Recharge Us

3. 

   18 Oct 2026

   Biz & Banter E.15 | Think Again: Getting Unstuck with Kelli Post

   Feeling stuck and can’t figure out why? In this episode of Biz & Banter, I sit down with Kelli Post, keynote speaker, mindset coach, and founder of Piece by Peace. After a 25-year sales career, Kelli now teaches the conscious thinking principles that built her results and rebuilt her life. Her core message: your thoughts are instructions, and they shape your reality. We talk about why positive thinking has to be paired with conscious action, how your energy shows up in every interaction, and how visualization can boost performance and even support healing. Kelli shares how gratitude and self-talk can shift your mindset, why comparison holds you back, and how the friction you feel can be confirmation that you’re growing. We wrap with a rapid-fire round of “Instead Of,” full of simple swaps you can start tomorrow morning. If you’ve been waiting to feel motivated before you take the next step, this episode is for you. Take the first step by changing the instructions. Connect with Kelli: piecebypeacekellispeaks.com 🔎Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mindset Coaching 04:37 The Power of Thoughts and Instructions 10:09 Positive Thinking vs. Conscious Thinking 15:14 Energy and Its Impact on Interactions 20:00 Visualization and Mindset Shifts 24:17 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Stuckness 29:58 The Importance of Gratitude and Reflection

4. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Biz & Banter E.14 | The Next Play Mindset with Kacy Small

   What does a lacrosse sideline have in common with a closing table? Kacy Small is a real estate professional, a lacrosse coach, and the founder of Next Play Apparel. In this conversation he breaks down how his three worlds run on the same playbook: build a plan, stay intentional, and run through adversity when it shows up. Kacy shares how Next Play Apparel was born from one genuine conversation, how he listens for opportunity in everyday moments, and how he manages a schedule that holds this many roles. He also talks about why authentic social media content is the thread that ties his brands together, and what it takes to put yourself out there without worrying about public perception. This episode is for you if you wear multiple hats, your calendar is full, and you want every role to move the others forward. Go make your next play. Connect with Kacy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kacy_small_realtor (https://www.instagram.com/kacy_small_realtor) 🔎Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:50 Coaching and Real Estate Parallels 06:05 Intentionality in Coaching and Business 08:51 The Birth of Next Play Apparel 11:46 Integrating Lacrosse and Real Estate 15:05 Managing Multiple Responsibilities 17:55 Social Media Strategy and Authenticity 20:46 Navigating Brand Deals and Content Creation 24:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

5. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Biz & Banter E.13 | The Hive Mentality and Leadership with Latoya Johnson

   What if the secret to better leadership has been buzzing around in a backyard hive the whole time? In this episode, Latoya Johnson of Grow & Glow Philly breaks down the Hive Mentality, the framework built from working a beehive and working in leadership. She talks through what bees teach us about trust, roles, and getting a group to move as one, and how she's turned those lessons into tools for building teams and community. If you've ever struggled to get a team to function without you micromanaging every move, this episode is for you. Get ready to buzz into your next big move. Reach out to Latoya here: https://www.growandglowphilly.com (https://www.growandglowphilly.com) Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Becoming a Speaker 02:30 Discovering Beekeeping 04:54 From Skincare to Beekeeping 07:33 The Beehive Mentality in Leadership 12:38 Nature's Lessons on Leadership 14:51 The Buzz of Bees and Mental Wellness 15:20 Growing Glow: Educating Through Nature 18:00 The Importance of Natural Ingredients 19:31 Understanding the Beehive Structure 22:54 The Role of the Queen Bee 25:46 Mindfulness and Teamwork in Beekeeping 26:18 Navigating Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Dynamics 29:00 The Hive Mentality in Leadership 31:56 Mindset and Prioritization Challenges 35:43 Self-Care and Balancing Responsibilities 38:53 Lessons from Bees on Leadership 46:56 The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

6. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Biz & Banter E.12 | Marketing on a Dime with Angie DeMilo

   Do you know who's buying what you're selling? Angie DeMilo has spent her career helping entrepreneurs answer that exact question, and on this episode she sits down with Steph to break down why so many business owners skip it entirely. Angie shares how she found her footing in marketing, why treating your strategy like an ongoing experiment beats waiting for a perfect plan, and how free tools like Canva and AI have made it possible to create real content without a real budget. Her take is simple: everything has a market, you just have to find yours. This one is packed with high level marketing reminders and plenty of banter between two people who clearly enjoy talking shop. This episode is for you if you have ever felt stuck talking to everyone and reaching no one. Angie's approach turns marketing into something playful instead of overwhelming, and her energy alone will get you thinking differently about your next post. Happy Marketing! Follow Angie at @demiloenterprises. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 03:04 The Importance of Marketing Fundamentals 05:49 Understanding Your Target Audience 08:56 Overcoming Marketing Challenges 12:00 Utilizing Free Tools for Marketing 14:59 Evaluating Marketing Effectiveness 19:00 Understanding Quirky Marketing Strategies 21:57 The Importance of Personal Connection in Marketing 25:01 Exploring Diverse Marketing Approaches 28:08 Personal Branding and Authenticity in Marketing 32:00 The Role of AI in Personalization 35:56 Embracing Risk and Consistency in Marketing

7. 

   16 Sept 2026

   BONUS Biz & Banter | Utilizing the CB HOME Platform for Luxury Agents

   Hear from Coldwell Banker Luxury Marketing Specialist, Callie Galilea, what her favorite features of the HOME platform are for CB Luxury Real Estate Agents. More about HOME for CB agents: https://homeplatformworkshops.com (https://homeplatformworkshops.com) More about HOME for non-CB agents: https://join-cbr.com (https://join-cbr.com)

8. 

   6 Sept 2026

   Biz & Banter E.11 | Creating Meaningful Experiences with Lindsay Smith

   How are you making people feel? Keynote speaker and author of No One Needs Another Company Mug, Lindsay Smith joins the Blue Room to talk about the art of creating experiences that matter. Her philosophy comes down to one idea: the moments people remember are the ones that make them feel valued, and those rarely cost much at all. Lindsay builds her business around human significance, the belief that everyone should leave an interaction feeling like they matter. We get into why the smallest, warmest gestures leave the biggest mark, how that plays out in business and in everyday life, and what it takes to lead with that kind of intention. If you've ever wondered why the swag and the branding aren't building the loyalty you hoped for, this episode is for you. Find more about Lindsay here: https://www.lindsaysmithexperiences.com/ (https://www.lindsaysmithexperiences.com/) Happy experiencing!

9. 

   23 Aug 2026

   Biz & Banter E.10 | JUST Banter with Sam & Steph

   What is that thing that keeps you sane in your home life? Well for me, it's not my husband, as apparent in this episode. This installment of JUST Banter with Sam has zero agenda and even less sense. We rank our Costco haul by price (Kool-Aid Jammers vs. Eagles hats, and it's not close), relive why I married him ("you make me belly laugh every single day," and also for the football game seats), and play a round of Would You Rather that somehow ends with a serious debate about how many cats is too many. We revisit Niagara Falls from a not-great hotel room with a great view, argue over who actually picks the restaurant, and give poutine its proper due. No lessons here. Just banter. Happy bantering.

10. 

    9 Aug 2026

    Biz & Banter E.9 | The Story Starter with Elisa Heisman

    How are you telling your story? Brand strategist and copywriter Elisa Heisman joins the Blue Room to talk about what it really takes to connect with your audience. She breaks down why so many entrepreneurs talk about their services instead of speaking to the problems their clients are actually facing, and why that shift in perspective changes everything about how a message lands. Elisa also walks through how messaging strategy shifts between small businesses and nonprofits, and shares what she uncovers with clients during her Story Start Calls. If you've ever wondered why your marketing isn't landing the way you want it to, this episode is for you. And yes, Elisa was correct with the name of the restaurant she discussed: https://trevibyob.com/ (https://trevibyob.com/) Happy Storytelling! Find more about Elisa here: https://redpenresources.com/ (https://redpenresources.com/)

11. 

    27 Jul 2026

    Biz & Banter E.8 | Real Culture Talk with Chrissi Chapman

    What if mindset isn't something you're born with, but something you build? Coldwell Banker Realty Branch Vice President, Chrissi Chapman, joins Steph for a real conversation about mindset, positivity, and what it takes to lead agents through the noise. We're getting into the beliefs worth breaking, how to stay genuinely positive in hard rooms without faking it, and the mindset work agents skip when they think they just need more leads. Plus a rapid fire round on everything from vision boards to breathwork, and yes, the story of the ten dollar tattoo. Happy leading. Find more about Chrissi here: https://rubyslippersathome.com/profile/my-bio (https://rubyslippersathome.com/profile/my-bio)

12. 

    12 Jul 2026

    Biz & Banter E.7 | Pressure Check with Jen Leary

    How does your body tell you that you're stressed? Breathwork coach and professor Jen Leary joins Steph for a real conversation about what stress actually looks like in your body, and how something as simple as your breath can change everything. We're covering practical techniques you can use at your desk, in your car, or between showings, because managing pressure doesn't have to be complicated. Happy breathing. Find more about Jen here: https://empoweringjoycoach.com/about-jen (https://empoweringjoycoach.com/about-jen)

13. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.6 | Being Intentional with Karen Dougherty

    What does intentionality have to do with building a listings based business? Everything. Karen Dougherty has been selling real estate in Chester County for over a decade, and she'll be the first to tell you that the transactions are the easy part. It's everything that happens around them that actually builds a business. In this episode of Biz & Banter in the Blue Room, Karen pulls back the curtain on how she runs a listings-focused business that clients genuinely rave about. From her obsession with Unreasonable Hospitality to the personal touches she builds into every step of the process, Karen talks about what it means to show up for people, not just when the contract is signed, but at every milestone along the way. Karen Dougherty is a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Realty in Exton, PA, serving Chester County and surrounding areas. 🔗 Find Karen: kdfindyourwayhome.com (http://kdfindyourwayhome.com) 📍 Coldwell Banker Realty | Exton, PA

14. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.5 | Why the Right Support Matters with Katie Reilly

    Change is happening fast in real estate, and I'm excited that Katie Reilly stopped by the Blue Room to talk through all of it. We talk about what we're seeing on the ground right now, the buzz around the HOME platform rolling out to agents soon, and we dove into using AI responsibly. And we wrapped up talking about something that doesn't get enough credit: the power of a truly collaborative office culture. When people are supported by the right people, everyone wins. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just finding your footing in this market, there's something in this conversation for you. Find out more about Katie here: https://herefortheagents.com/ (https://herefortheagents.com/) 📺 Subscribe and never miss an episode of Biz & Banter in the Blue Room.

15. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.4 | The Gatorade Mindset with Jeff Gallo

    What does Gatorade have to do with insurance? And what does it take to build a thriving career in insurance? Jeff Gallo sits down with me to talk about his journey into the industry, the mindset shifts that made all the difference, and why insurance is one of the most underrated tools in your real estate toolkit. Whether you are an agent, a buyer, or just someone who wants to stop dreading the insurance conversation, listen to how much care Jeff puts into his work. Information about Jefferson Avenue Insurance here: https://jeffersonaveinsurance.com/ (https://jeffersonaveinsurance.com/).

16. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.3 | The Staging Effect with Mishel Grafstrom

    Fair warning: this episode starts as a staging conversation and ends as a pep talk for your soul. Mishel from Addressing Interiors came in to talk about transforming spaces, and somehow we ended up talking about transforming your mindset, chasing joy, and finding the bright side even in the most ordinary moments. Come for the staging convo, stay for… everything else. (And a newfound appreciation for ham and cheese sandwiches. 🥪✨) Addressing Interiors Staging (servicing Chester County, PA and all surrounding counties - including New Castle County, DE and into Southern NJ) Mishel Grafstrom: (619) 283.8820 or mishels64@gmail.com (mailto:mishels64@gmail.com) Donna Acquaviva (484) 300-3556

17. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.2 | The Luxury Mindset with Callie Galilea

    What does it really take to succeed in the luxury real estate market? In this episode of Biz & Banter in the Blue Room, I sit down with Callie Galilea, Coldwell Banker Realty's luxury specialist. Callie brings a rare perspective - she's not competing with agents, she's entirely in their corner. We talk about the mindset shift required to break into luxury, what truly sets high-performing luxury agents apart, the resources Coldwell Banker Realty offers to help agents elevate their business, and why the tools most agents overlook might be exactly what they need. This is a real conversation about thinking bigger, showing up differently, and what's possible when you combine the right mindset with the right support. 📖 CB Global Luxury Listing Guidebook mentioned in this episode: https://issuu.com/cbgloballuxury/docs (https://issuu.com/cbgloballuxury/docs)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVh3VmVuLXFzeVdUS1RWaTV1NFVQQVN5QVh4QXxBQ3Jtc0trdzJ3R21SU0dQTFhYUG55dkp4VTRZTElsNlR5cE1ocEo3Mm5lcjJvMHc4Uy13TjRKaWlGc01acUF2cjlOSkhIWG0zaWoxQnJQQXZIbUEwTm5jUDhUa1h3S0NwTHdkSTYwNTl1X1ZQQVV6b3F1RlY0Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Fcbgloballuxury%2Fdocs%2Fglobal_luxury_listing_guidebook_-_single_page%3Ffr%3DsZjAzZTg2NTcwNjU&v=_B7hd5AaofE)

18. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Biz & Banter E.1 | The Art of Execution with Mike Skay

    What happens when a strong business plan meets the right environment? In this episode of Biz & Banter in the Blue Room, I sit down with Mike Skay. By plugging into the marketing, systems, and support available to him, and surrounding himself with a collaborative, high-producing office, he’s doubled his income over the last few years. This is a real conversation about strategy, execution, and what’s possible when you combine intention with the right resources. Find more about Mike here: https://michaelskay.com/ (https://michaelskay.com/)

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.