In the season finale, Tristan and Brooke reflect on what they’ve learned over the course of Season 1 of Re-imagining Online Business. From shadowbanning myths and evolving content strategies to watching too much true crime and smoking cannabis on mic (yes, really—content warning!), this episode is as honest and unfiltered as it gets.

We talk about:

- Why our podcast release schedule turned out to be less than “strategic”

- What’s actually going on with Instagram engagement (spoiler: it’s not always the algorithm)

- The value of low-engagement content, and why we’re okay with it

- What’s working in marketing in 2025—and what’s not

- Creating business sustainability beyond the six-figure fantasy

- Taking real risks in our messaging and naming systemic harm

- Why relationship-building always matters more than reach

And yes, we also spend a solid 25 minutes talking about Netflix thrillers, Channing Tatum, and voting scandals involving Arnold Schwarzenegger impressions. You’re welcome.

Mentions & Resources:

Our free workshop: Instagram, Stay or Go: Navigating Marketing Beyond Social Media — replays available!

Foundations to Fruition (formerly Biz Camp) — beginning May 2025: A 12-session experience to get back to basics, gain foundational business knowledge, receive coaching to apply it to your work, and ultimately gain the information you need to create your own business strategy.

Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know how these insights are helping you in your work, or share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!

+ Episode Transcript

In this thought-provoking conversation, Tristan and Brooke dive into the complexities of claiming to run an "anti-capitalist" and "ethical" business. What do these terms actually mean, and how are they being used in today’s discourse? Is capitalism becoming a catch-all term to describe everything broken in our systems? This episode unpacks the nuance of these claims and discusses the implications of using the language of resistance without deep engagement with the systems at play.

Rather than opting out of capitalism—a system we are all entangled in—this conversation explores what it means to work within and against the system simultaneously. Brooke and Tristan critique how terms like "capitalism," "late-stage capitalism," and "anti-capitalism" are often used without specificity, serving as a surface-level virtue signal rather than a call to real, actionable change.

Key discussion points:

The importance of precise language when critiquing capitalism and business ethics.

Why vague claims of anti-capitalism can sometimes be a form of bypassing deeper systemic analysis.

The impossibility of truly "opting out" of capitalism and what ethical business practices might look like within the system.

How business owners can meaningfully engage with systemic change while still running a sustainable business.

Mentions & Resources:

Free webinar:ChatGPT & Your Work with Patricia Grenseman

Learn more about Patricia’s ChatGPT programs

Scene On Radio podcast season on Capitalism

Brooke’s conversation with Tara McMullin on the What Works podcast, What is an ethical business?

VERY IMPORTANT: VOTE ON WHO DID A BETTER ARNOLD IMPRESSION

Links:

Visit joinfruition.com for more programs and resources, including the upcoming FREE workshop, Instagram: Stay or Go? Navigating Marketing Beyond Social Media on Friday, March 28th

And of course, you can also get more info about Brooke and Tristan on their websites: brooke-monaghan.com and katz-creative.com

Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know how these insights are helping you in your work, or share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!

+ Episode Transcript

Relationships are absolutely fundamental to any business. And yet so many online business owners often seem to be doing everything possible to bring in clients without having to make direct contact with other humans. The internet can make this particularly confusing, because the nature of relationships on the internet is confusing! What’s more, it’s so easy to feel isolated as an entrepreneur and to not even think about turning to other people. The reality is, more than your social media presence—more than any aspect of your digital marketing strategy, being active in the community you serve is probably the biggest advantage you can have in growing your work.

Whether you're an introvert, socially anxious, or just unsure of where to begin, this conversation offers actionable advice and thoughtful perspectives on:

- Shifting your focus from audience size to nurturing existing connections.

- Understanding how relationships can be the "soil" for sustainable growth.

- Building trust and collaborations that align with your values and vision.

- Navigating the role of digital tools like Instagram alongside in-person or community engagement.

- Practical steps for finding opportunities, connecting with aligned professionals, and maintaining integrity in partnerships.

Tristan and Brooke also reflect on how privilege and positionality impact collaborations and share personal stories about opportunities born from intentional relationship-building.

Takeaways:

- Relationships are the foundation of any business. Invest time and effort in nurturing them.

- Focus on serving your current audience and community rather than chasing endless growth.

- Show up authentically—whether in networking events, online platforms, or collaborations.

- Don’t bypass direct connections; meaningful interactions outlast transactional marketing tactics.

Mentions & Resources:

Free Workshop:ChatGPT & Your Work with Patricia Grenseman - Friday, January 10th, 10-11:30am Pacific / 1-2:30pm Eastern

Concept to Conversion Program: A 4-week intensive to guide you in getting your next offer out into the world, starting January 21st

Links:

Visit joinfruition.com for more programs and resources.

And of course, you can also get more info about Brooke and Tristan on their websites: brooke-monaghan.com and katz-creative.com

Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know how these insights are helping you in your work, or share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!

+ Episode Transcript