Love, Business & Luggage is where marriage, entrepreneurship, and travel meet. Join Monica and Clayton Smith as they share the real stories behind running businesses together, raising a family, and exploring the world. With humor, honesty, and plenty of adventure, each episode inspires you to build a life you love and pack it into your carry-on.
Episode 13- Leadership Beyond the Office: Why We Serve on Nonprofit Boards
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to serve on nonprofit boards. From board meetings and fundraising to strategic planning and leadership decisions, they share how volunteering has shaped their careers, strengthened their leadership skills, and allowed them to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Monica reflects on her journey serving with CASA of Williamson County—including roles as Treasurer, Vice President, and two-term Board President—as well as leading the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce as Board Chair and announcing her newest nonprofit board appointment. Clayton shares why he joined Jail to Jobs, what drew him to its mission, and some of his proudest moments on the board.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or simply looking for a way to give back, this episode offers an honest look at the rewards and responsibilities of nonprofit leadership.
14 Jun 2026
Episode 12- Everyone’s in Sales (Even Your Kids)
Think you’re not in sales? Think again.
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we break down what sales and marketing actually mean, how they work together, and why these skills are used every day in business, relationships, and even parenting.
We explain the difference between marketing (getting attention) and sales (driving action), how they work together to grow a business, and why understanding both is essential for entrepreneurs and healthcare providers. We also dive into the difference between B2B and B2C sales, and why one is a quick decision while the other requires trust, time, and multiple decision-makers.
If you’ve ever said “I’m not a salesperson,” this episode will change how you think about communication, influence, and business growth.
25 May 2026
Episode 11- Busy ≠ Successful (The Lie We Keep Buying Into)
Is being “busy”really a sign of success… or just a fast track to burnout?
In this episode ofLove, Business & Luggage, we break down the truth behind hustleculture and why being busy has become a badge of honor for entrepreneurs,business owners, and working parents. We talk about why we say yes to too manycommitments, how overbooking your schedule leads to overwhelm, and why busyseasons never actually end.
We also sharepractical ways to set boundaries, protect your time, and focus on what trulymatters in both business and family life.
If you feelconstantly busy but not fulfilled, this episode will help you rethinkproductivity, success, and balance.
Please read Chad's book: Win The Battle Against Burnout
https://www.forwardpartners.net/battle
21 Feb 2026
Episode 10- DPC Dream Job or Total Disaster? (From Cruise Ship to Course Launch)
What happens when a nurse practitioner decides she does not want to open another clinic… but still wants to make a bigger impact?
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica shares the real story behind her book “DPC Dream Job or Total Disaster” and how it evolved into The DPC Formula, an online course and consulting program for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who want to start a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice.
Recorded from a cruise ship right after hosting the DPC Launchpad conference for NPs and PAs, this episode dives into:
• The honest risks of starting a Direct Primary Care clinic
• Provider burnout and the shift to practice ownership
• How to know if DPC is the right fit
• The difference between reading about DPC and actually launching
If you are researching how to start a DPC clinic, exploring healthcare entrepreneurship, or considering leaving insurance-based medicine, this conversation will give you clarity before you take the leap.
Because DPC is not the easy path. It is the aligned path. 🚀
2 Feb 2026
🥳 Episode 9- New Year, Same Us (Just a Little More Organized)
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re talking all things New Year — resolutions, goal-setting, and why January motivation looks different for everyone. We share honest perspectives on why traditional resolutions don’t work for all personalities, how reflection often matters more than a fresh calendar, and why progress beats perfection every time.
We also discuss what the New Year looks like in the workplace. Clayton shares how goals and priorities reset in his corporate environment, while Monica walks through her year-in-review process, leadership planning, and preparing for staff evaluations and goal setting.
We wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a New Year–approved essential: a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is one resolution that works whether you’re traveling or just trying to survive January — even if Clayton usually ends up carrying it.
21 Dec 2025
🇮🇹🇨🇭Episode 8- Italy, Switzerland & Traveling Smarter This Time
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re sharing what we learned from a recent international trip and how approaching travel differently made all the difference. We talk about flights, jet lag, getting around by train and public transit, packing light for winter travel, and why slowing down helped us enjoy more.
We also dive into how we book international flights using travel rewards and why simplicity matters when planning big trips. From there, we discuss transportation, food experiences, cultural immersion, and pacing — and wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a travel item we won’t leave home without.
Sponsor:
We use the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture Business cards to book many of our international flights. The miles are easy to earn and simple to redeem for flights, hotels, and travel purchases.
👉 Check out our special bonus offer here:
Personal Venture Card: https://i.capitalone.com/Je5baaHcb
Business Venture Card: https://i.capitalone.com/JYaoBqYEz
Travel Life Happy Wife:
https://www.youtube.com/@TravelLifeHappyWife/shorts
https://www.tiktok.com/@travellifehappywife?_r=1&_t=ZT-92PlrFBLY6g
Next Episode:
We’re talking New Year goals, habits, and how they shape our life in love, business, and luggage.
23 Nov 2025
🎙️ Episode 7: Holidays, Hustle & Hilarity
In this festive episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton unwrap the meaning of the holidays — from favorite family traditions to their most hilarious holiday fails. Between twinkle lights, travel plans, and too many sugar cookies, they share what makes the season special (and what makes it slightly chaotic).
Monica confesses her over-the-top decorating habits, Clayton admits his lifelong war with tangled Christmas lights, and together they talk about the beauty of slowing down, making memories, and finding joy amid the madness.
Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, hosting family chaos, or just need a laugh with your peppermint mocha, this episode brings warmth, humor, and a reminder that the best gift is simply showing up — even if the wrapping paper’s crooked.
🎧 Listen in for:
• The best (and worst) holiday traditions
• Funny gift-giving disasters
• Tips for balancing business, family, and fun
• How to actually enjoy the holidays without burning out
• A festive look at gratitude, laughter, and letting go of perfection
11 Nov 2025
💻🔐Episode 6: From Help Desk to High Tech
In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton share how a curious college kid with a knack for fixing computers turned a help desk job into a 20-year tech career. Clayton opens up about his journey from troubleshooting floppy-disk disasters to leading teams in cybersecurity — and why stepping back from management was actually a move forward for his life.
You’ll hear how leadership lessons, career pivots, and a passion for problem-solving shaped his path from entry-level IT to high-tech success at AWS. Monica brings her signature (groan) humor and perspective on how that tech-savvy mindset keeps their family, business, and travels running smoothly.
Whether you’re thinking about breaking into tech, looking to redefine your career path, or just love a good behind-the-screens story, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and a few “turn it off and back on again” moments.
29 Oct 2025
🌴☀️ Episode 5: Cancun!
Pack your sunscreen and sarcasm—Monica and Clayton are recording live from the stunning Moon Palace in Cancun! 🌴☀️
In this episode, they dive into what makes this resort so special (hint: there’s history), how life has changed since their first visit, and why Monica insists there’s a big difference between a vacation and a trip. They share how their kid has become a resort connoisseur, the eternal struggle between fun and rest, and whether you can really leave work behind.
It’s part travel diary, part business therapy, and 100% beach-vibe banter. Grab a margarita and join them—because sometimes the best business ideas happen poolside. 🍹
13 Oct 2025
🎙️ Episode 4: Behind the Scenes of The Blox
You’ve seen the posts, but now you’ll finally hear the real story. Monica and Clayton spill the behind-the-scenes details from Monica’s adventure on The Blox, the nation’s largest entrepreneurial competition.
From sleepless nights and new friendships to business lessons and reality show chaos, Monica shares what really happened, what she learned, and how it changed her outlook on success.
🎧 Listen now to Love, Business & Luggage, where relationships, careers, and adventures take off.
Don’t forget to get your 50% off at Rent the Runway:
https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/55b72e4c38b235bfe82d90d1a36a6d0bd955e6a0-payPerSwap-publicLink-1760390666782
View the Blox recap here:
https://youtu.be/9Bm1K_L2NbA
29 Sept 2025
Episode 3: The Clinic and the Cloud: What We’ve Learned from Two Very Different Worlds
One of us runs a busy healthcare clinic. The other lives in the digital cloud. On the surface, these worlds could not be more different. Look closer and you will find surprising overlaps in trust, problem solving, and even stress levels (hint: both require lots of coffee). In this episode, Monica and Clayton share the quirks, clashes, and unexpected lessons they have borrowed from each other’s careers. From HIPAA to cybersecurity, patient care to project deadlines, we explore how blending two very different perspectives can make life and business stronger.
Support this show, Rent the Runway:
https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/55b72e4c38b235bfe82d90d1a36a6d0bd955e6a0-payPerSwap-publicLink-1759091616026
15 Sept 2025
Episode 2: Building a Business Without Breaking Your Marriage
Starting a business is tough. Starting a business while staying happily married? That’s a whole new level of adventure. In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton open up about how Impact Family Wellness was born, the excitement (and nerves) of signing that first lease, and what it looks like to support each other without being in the trenches together every day.
From communication struggles and personality clashes (hello, Optimist Monica vs. Cautious Clayton) to finding balance between advice and gut instinct, they share the real stories behind building a business without breaking their relationship. You’ll hear how caution saved them from big risks, how openness created surprising wins, and what lessons they want other couples to know before mixing love and entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re a “couplepreneur,” thinking about launching something with your spouse, or just curious how two very different personalities can build both a business and a life together, this episode is full of honest takeaways and a few laughs along the way.
Support this podcast by visiting Thrive Market using our affiliate link: http://thrv.me/QmeqQa
Websites:
www.impactfamilywellness.com
www.dpcformula.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactfamilywellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfamilywellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamckitterick/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonsmith/
2 Sept 2025
Episode 1: Why We’re Doing This (and Why It Might Be a Terrible Idea)
In our very first episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we pull back the curtain on who we are, how we met, and why starting a podcast together seemed like both a brilliant and questionable idea. Monica, a Family Nurse Practitioner, author, and business owner, teams up with Clayton, a cyber security specialist and MBA, to share the stories that inspired our mix of love, entrepreneurship, and global adventures.
You will hear how our careers and frequent travels connect to the podcast’s name, the moment we realized we could actually work together without killing each other, and the quirky items we never travel without. Expect candid conversations, lessons learned from business and life, and plenty of travel tales to fuel your wanderlust.
Support this podcast by visiting Thrive Market using our affiliate link: http://thrv.me/QmeqQa
Websites:
www.impactfamilywellness.com
www.dpcformula.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactfamilywellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfamilywellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamckitterick/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonsmith/
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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