How I Built My Small Business
2025 Communicator Award of Excellence in the Educational Series category
2024 People's Choice Podcast Awards Finalist Nominee x 2
Named "One of the Best Business Podcasts" by Ramsey
Welcome to 'How I Built My Small Business,' where we explore real-life entrepreneurship and building a meaningful, balanced life.
I started this podcast to honor my dad and help others navigate the messy, meaningful path of entrepreneurship. My guests (diverse in industry, experience, and background) open up about the real stories behind building a business: the wins, the mistakes, and the values that shape their choices.
It’s turned into more than I imagined… sometimes it’s a masterclass, other times it’s an honest, heart-opening connection between two people. But it’s always about curiosity, growth, and learning through storytelling… with a sprinkle of life wisdom.
Every guest has started a business at some point in their journey, and I make an intentional effort to maintain a 50/50 split of women and men.
Whether you're a founder, dreamer, curious individual or lifelong learner, I hope each episode makes you think or leaves you with at least one spark that inspires your own path.
Thank you for listening. Let’s learn together.
My Website: https://www.annemcginty.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemcginty/
Behind-The-Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/annemcgintyhost
Episodes
81 episodes
Jennifer Tsay - Free Photo Shoots to $9M Revenue: The Surprising Business Model of SHOOTT
Jennifer Tsay is the co-founder and CEO of Shoott - with two Ts, a fast-growing company making professional photography more accessible for clients and a reliable supplemental income for ...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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46:35
Lloyd Rooney – Dyslexia, Determination, and 135 Employees: THE JETSON GROUP Story
Today we have Lloyd Rooney sharing his journey - from leaving the traditional schooling system at 12 due to dyslexia, learning how he learned best, to bartending in the UK and now owner-operating multiple restaurants in New Zealand, em...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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51:36
Tara Bielawski - Connecting the Seen and Unseen: A Personal Journey Into MEDIUMSHIP
Tara Bielawski is a medium and today’s conversation is not so much about starting a business and more so about perspective, her gift and her journey to mediumship.Losing my dad was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, and it’s what ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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53:40
Dr. Bill and Braden Rawls - CELLULAR WELLNESS: The Missing Piece in Modern Medicine
Today’s conversation with Dr. Bill Rawls and Braden Rawls is about understanding health at a cellular level.Dr. Bill Rawls is a licensed physician with over 30 years of experience in medicine. After ...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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52:20
Kerri Futch - A Candid Year One at WOLF AND FOX, a Wisconsin Winery
Kerri Futch is a friend of mine who moved from Northern California to Wisconsin to be closer to family and to chase a dream vision for a Wolf and Fox, boutique winery and an event space.This ep...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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34:50
Duncan Wardle - Set Your Creativity Free Inside the IMAGINATION EMPORIUM
This interview was so entertaining to host because I felt like I was back in college for an hour and had the most interesting guest teacher who made me laugh, play games, and have fun - all while learning.Duncan Wardle, the former head o...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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50:49
Jackie Ashton - Secrets to Landing a Non-Fiction Book Deal with THE BOOKMARK AGENCY
Today we’re diving into the world of publishing with Jackie Ashton—literary agent, journalist, and founder of Bookmark, a boutique agency helping thought leaders bring impactful books to life.B...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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42:12
Christopher Helfrich - How EAT.LEARN.PLAY. is Changing Lives in Oakland
Today’s episode is part of Podcasthon, a global effort bringing thousands of podcasts together to raise awareness for charitable causes.My guest today is
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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41:24
Laura Wachtel - Why You Should Try IMPROV At Least Once
Laura Wachtel talks about how improv can make life—and work—better.The principles of improv—like saying ‘yes, and,’ thinking on your feet, and embracing the unexpected—can transform how you communicate, lead, and handle challenges.
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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36:46
Ru Hill - The Rise of SURF SIMPLY RESORT in Costa Rica
Ru Hill is the founder of Surf Simply, a globally renowned boutique coaching resort in Costa Rica that has transformed the way people learn to surf. Unlike traditional surf schools, Surf Simply takes...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:03:15
Alexa D'Agostino - Secrets to go from $0 to 7-8-9 FIGURES from a Serial 6x Exit Entrepreneur
Today, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino is coming on the show to share insights on how to build a company from six to seven figures or seven to eight.Alexa founded her first official company at 18 and we...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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33:32
Hayes Hitchens - MOONDANCE ADVENTURES: Unplugging Teens with Life-Changing Adventure Travel
In today’s episode, Hayes Hitchens talks with us about his journey starting and building Moondance Adventures.Moondance is a teen adventure travel program that sends over 2000 teenagers each...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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51:51
Dr. Megan Lyons - Stop Burnout Before It Starts: Staying Healthy and Happy
Today we have Dr. Megan Lyons on the show to talk about recognizing early symptoms of burnout, ways to optimize your health, and fix the root causes of illness.Megan is a Harvard graduate with...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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53:53
Andy Hunter - Saving Indie Bookstores: The Innovated Model Behind BOOKSHOP.ORG
Andy Hunter is the founder CEO of bookshop.Org In todday's episode, he talks about his innovative solution to save indie bookstore.Quoting the New York Times, “The rapid rise of Bookshop.org dur...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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43:59
Alexandra Janelli - HYPNOTHERAPY: What Celebrities and CEOs Know That You Don’t
Today we’re joined by Alexandra Janelli, a leading hypnotherapist and founder of ModrnSanctuary, an alternative beauty and wellness spa and winner of Philadelphia Magazine’s 2024 “Best of Philly.”She is also the founder of My Burble, a t...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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50:56
HIGHLIGHTS Geoff Smart Episode
I’m trying something new this week by releasing a shortened highlights episode alongside the full one. It’s designed for those of you who may not have time to listen to the whole episode—perfect for a quick commute or a busy day.To be ho...
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Season 2
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14:00
Geoff Smart - The Power of WHO from New York Times Bestseller
Today we’re diving into why building and scaling a business—and achieving more freedom and free time—starts with the “who” in your business.Our guest, Dr. Geoff Smart, is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership advisory ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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53:03
Season 2 of How I Built My Small Business Coming January 21
🎉 Season 2 of How I Built My Small Business is Coming January 21!Get ready for more thought-provoking stories, expert wisdom, and actionable advice to help you grow in both business and life.This seas...
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Season 2
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2:45
Bite-Sized Life Wisdom: 4 of 4
Welcome to How I Built My Small Business: Bite-Sized! I’m Anne McGinty, host of the show. While full-length guest episodes are on hold for the holidays, I’ve prepared a collection of short, impactful episodes to keep you inspired until...
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Season 1
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8:57
Bite-Sized Business Insights 4 of 4
Welcome to How I Built My Small Business: Bite-Sized!I’m Anne McGinty, your host. While we take a break from full-length guest episodes for the holidays, I’ve curated a series of short, impactful episodes to...
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Season 1
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8:38
Bite-Sized Life Wisdom: 3 of 4
Welcome to How I Built My Small Business: Bite-Sized! I’m Anne McGinty, host of the show. While full-length guest episodes are on hold for the holidays, I’ve prepared a collection of short, impactful episodes to keep you inspired until...
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Season 1
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9:03
Bite-Sized Business Insights 3 of 4
Welcome to How I Built My Small Business: Bite-Sized!I’m Anne McGinty, your host. While we take a break from full-length guest episodes for the holidays, I’ve curated a series of short, impactful episodes to...
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Season 1
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9:03
Bite-Sized for Parents
Welcome to How I Built My Small Business: Bite-Sized!I’m Anne McGinty, your host. While we take a break from full-length guest episodes for the holidays, I’ve curated a series of short, impactful episodes to...
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Season 1
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5:17
Chanda Bell - The ELF ON THE SHELF: Unwrapping The Story
Welcome to a very merry episode of How I Built My Small Business! I’m Anne McGinty, your host, and I know I said no new episodes, but this is a surprise Christmas special. Today, we’re diving into the magical world of Santa’s l...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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39:54
