Your go-to space for real, unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, business strategy, and the bold moves that create cash flow and freedom. Hosted by Brooke Berndt, a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and mentor, this podcast is designed for ambitious founders who are ready to scale, automate, and build a brand that thrives.
Each episode brings expert insights, success stories, & no-fluff strategies to help you monetize your expertise, grow your business online, and activate your next-level success.
Expect deep dives into digital products, automation, social media growth.
Ep 55: The Power of Real Connection: Jordan Vaz on Building Community, Energy, and Overcoming Brain Surgery
In this episode, Colorado entrepreneur Jordan Vaz shares the inspiring origin story of the Friendship Mixer, a movement born from a viral TikTok moment that transformed a simple social experiment into a thriving full-time business. Jordan discusses her transition from working in her family’s hair salon to creating curated, intentional spaces for strangers to connect in an increasingly lonely world. She also dives into the logistics of her business model, explaining how she transitioned from donation-based meetups to a successful tiered ticketing system that prioritizes accessibility and community value.
The conversation takes a profound turn as Jordan opens up about her recent health journey, documenting the symptoms that led to the discovery of a 7.5mm brain tumor. She recounts the importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system and the spiritual peace she found while preparing for microscopic brain surgery. Now in recovery, Jordan reflects on the "forced slow down" that has shifted her perspective on life and work, offering powerful advice for anyone waiting for the "right time" to pursue their calling.
Connect with Jordan:
Website: www.thefriendshipmixer.com (https://thefriendshipmixer.com/)
Instagram: @!thefriendshipmixer (https://www.instagram.com/thefriendshipmixer) | @thejordanvaz (https://www.instagram.com/thejordanvaz)
TikTok: thejordanvaz (https://www.tiktok.com/@thejordanvaz)
Connect with Brooke:
Website: www.brookeberndt.com (https://www.brookeberndt.com)
Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach (https://www.instagram.com/brookeberndt.businesscoach/)
Facebook: Brooke Berndt (https://www.facebook.com/brooke.berndt.5)
Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach (https://www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach)
Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com (https://www.virtuebeautyco.com)
20 Mar 2026
Ep 54: From Handmade Gift to 7-Figure Brand: How Karen Bonnici Built Super Blanky
In this episode of The Activated Entrepreneur, Karen Binnici shares her remarkable journey of transforming a handmade Christmas gift into Super Blanky, a patented, seven-figure brand. Karen discusses how she transitioned from a 28-year career as a children's entertainer to a successful inventor, navigating major life hurdles including a difficult divorce, financial bankruptcy, and a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her "living forward" philosophy serves as a powerful testament to resilience, proving that it is possible to rebuild and thrive even when starting from scratch later in life.
The conversation dives into the strategic side of product innovation, covering the importance of utility patents and the benefits of a licensing model that placed her products in Target stores nationwide. Karen offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on conducting market research, using provisional patents to test ideas, and leveraging the massive built-in audiences of platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop. From hand-sewing the first 500 blankets to managing a remote team and scaling to a million-dollar business, Karen provides a masterclass in persistence and business evolution.
Connect with Karen:
Website: www.superblanky.com (https://superblanky.com/)
LinkedIn: Karen Bonnici (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenabonnici/)
Instagram: @mysuperblanky (https://www.instagram.com/mysuperblanky)
Connect with Brooke:
Website: www.brookeberndt.com (https://www.brookeberndt.com)
Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach (https://www.instagram.com/brookeberndt.businesscoach/)
Facebook: Brooke Berndt (https://www.facebook.com/brooke.berndt.5)
Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach (https://www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach)
Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com (https://www.virtuebeautyco.com)
16 Mar 2026
Ep 53: Taking Over and Scaling Darren & Phillip | Brian & Cris on Entrepreneurship and Brand Ownership
In this episode of the Activated Entrepreneur podcast, Brian and Chris share the story behind acquiring and expanding Darren and Phillip, a lifestyle apparel brand designed for dog lovers who want to celebrate the bond they share with their pets. Rather than starting another company from scratch, the entrepreneurial couple chose to take over an existing brand with strong community roots and a growing global audience. They discuss the thoughtful transition process, including honoring the brand’s history, maintaining trust with loyal customers, and gradually introducing their vision to expand the company in the U.S. market with premium products that go beyond matching pajamas.
Brian and Chris also dive into the realities of running a business after acquisition, from navigating tariffs and supply chain disruptions to managing product launches and customer expectations. At the core of the brand is a deep commitment to giving back—Darren and Phillip has donated more than $1.2 million to dog rescues worldwide and helped thousands of dogs find loving homes. As they continue to scale the company, their vision includes expanding product categories, strengthening partnerships with rescue organizations, and growing into new retail and hospitality spaces while maintaining the brand’s mission of celebrating life with dogs.
Connect with Brian and Chris:
Website: www.darrenandphillip.com (https://darrenandphillip.com/)
LinkedIn: Darren & Phillip (https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-and-phillip)
Instagram: @darrenandphillip (https://www.instagram.com/darrenandphillip/)
Facebook: Darren & Phillip (https://www.facebook.com/darrenandphillip)
TikTok: Darren & Phillip (https://www.tiktok.com/@darrenandphillip)
Connect with Brooke:
Website: www.brookeberndt.com (https://www.brookeberndt.com)
Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach (https://www.instagram.com/brookeberndt.businesscoach/)
Facebook: Brooke Berndt (https://www.facebook.com/brooke.berndt.5)
Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach (https://www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach)
Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com (https://www.virtuebeautyco.com)
Who has been a guest on The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jamie Estelle Roth
Anna Savier
Pamela Maass Garrett
Niccole Hendrickson
Paresa Noble
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast
Who hosts The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast?
Brooke Berndt host the show. Published by Brooke Berndt.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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