Ready or Not Podcast: Recent Episodes
Forever Ready Productions
A podcast about growing your family and your business. Lauren & Scott Ready share their experience of running a business together while growing their family through adoption. It's a podcast for business owners, couples, parents and adoptive families all under one roof.
You can learn more about their story by visiting Ready Or Not Podcast on Facebook and following them on Instagram. For questions or comments e-mail At feedback@readyornotpodcast.com.
Podcast sponsored by: Forever Ready Productions. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ready-or-not-pod/support
In this episode Lauren & Scott do a deep dive with speaker coach, Sally Zimney, about how creating a signature talk can help grow your business and improve your ability to tell your story. Here why Lauren invested in her Signature Talk Studio and how it turned her "on the fly" style speaking into a well thought out message for her audience. Sally's is forever asking how we might all "be moved" by sharing our human story.
You can connect with Sally on Facebook over in her Move Your Audience private group: www.facebook.com/groups/moveyouraudience. It's supportive, collaborative and a growing community.
Her Signature Talk Studio is open for enrollment until March 25th, 2020 at 10:00 pm CT. Visit www.bemoved.com/join to sign up!
To get a taste of what the Signature Talk Studio offers, check out her 4-part mini series over at bemoved.com.
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It's been a year since our worlds were turned upside-down due to a pandemic. In this episode Lauren & Scott reflect on what they learned, what they wish they had known and what they are most looking forward to. Also...some major life changes are happening. Listen for more!
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In this episode Lauren & Scott discuss how your emotional intelligence can help and hurt your agility to be your best. They walk through the Saboteurs in the book Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine. And you'll hear how they have learned to communicate better with each other through self-awareness about their own saboteurs.
Here's a link to the book: https://amzn.to/2N4h76j
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Where did Lauren & Scott go...again? In short...2020 got really really really busy. And this fun little side project...got really really hard. So today we’re going to spend the entire episode updating you on our lives, business and new endeavors.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott update you on how their business is doing in the middle of a pandemic. And how their mission continues as they march forward into new territory.
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It's been awhile. And in this episode Lauren & Scott explain why they've been gone and catch listeners up on what's going on in their life. It's worth a listen, you might be feeling the same way!
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In this episode Lauren & Scott pick up where they left off and update listeners on current COVID life. Hear the story of how #FeelGoodFriday came to be and how you can join in on the fun in your own way.
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We've expanded! Our business is now operating in Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL and in this episode Lauren & Scott talk with our Allison Wong and Charlie Grant. The two are in charge of running the Chicago office and just so happen to be graduates of Loras College (the same collage as Lauren). Hear how the idea came to be and the journey to making the decision. Plus what's it like to work for a married couple, work with your partner and grow a business during a pandemic!
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What happened to your 2020 goals? In this episode Lauren & Scott revisit their goals and reset them to realistic goals for the second half of the year.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with Jason and Lesley Brown Rawlings in Memphis, TN. Jason works as a filmmaker who spotlights poverty and injustice. Lesley has worked in education equity and talent training.
Together the four discuss the murder of George Floyd, parenting during this difficult time, systemic racism, black lives and how you can help. Their words matter and so do their lives.
Find our more about Jason's work here: https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/natives-1#updates/23193
Read about Lesley's work here: https://www.wearebeloved.org/
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Happy Memorial Day week...Lauren & Scott are in the woods and have a quick message about next week.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott answer a series of 8 questions that reflect on their quarantine experience (that's not over yet). Hear their answers and play along at home.
What have you identified that you need to START doing?
What have you identified that you need to STOP doing?
What have you identified that you need to do MORE of?
What have you identified that you need to do LESS of?
What new you started doing with this situation that you are going to KEEP doing?
How are you different?
How are you stronger?
Where are you more focused?
What is the biggest thing that has changed in you?
E-mail us at feedback@readyornotpodcast.com
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In this episode Lauren & Scott discuss unsaid expectations, loyalty versus commitment and what it's like to have a business coach. Listen in as Lauren shares moments from her monthly coaching session with John Salajka, Vistage Chair and owner of Great Escape Coaching. John has 25 years of experience in business that brings a perspective and helps Lauren become a better leader, make better decisions, and achieve better results (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic).
For more information visit greatescapecoaching.com.
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As Lauren & Scott head into week 8 of quarantine (despite some communities re-opening) they discuss what's not cancelled. Both literally and figuratively. Hear their list of 10 things that have more to do with mindset than anything. Special guests reflect on things they've enjoyed while being home and how they hope those things aren't cancelled.
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In this episode hear from couples in Iowa, Washington and Florida. The one thing they all have in common: dear friends of Lauren & Scott. And they have also been forced home with each other (and in some cases their kids). You'll hear from a doctor, two entrepreneurs, a teacher and property managers about how this has changed everything.
Hearing from others around the country offers context and in general, hope for all of us.
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With all this talk about re-opening the country, Lauren & Scott share 5 ways they are spending the next few weeks in quarantine preparing for "the other side." From determining and channeling their "zone of genius", learning a new way or skill, pivoting on "why" not "what", passion projects and vision. Share how you'll get back to work in this new norm by sending an e-mail to feedback@readyornotpocast.com.
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Are we still here? This week Lauren & Scott talk about what they're really feeling during their #SafeAtHome quarantine and how it's impacting their business, relationship and well being.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott dive into what it's like to run a business, lead and team and focus on mission during a pandemic. Hear 5 ways they are getting through this and feeling hopeful.
References in this episode:
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Finance Podcast - https://anchor.fm/ready-or-not-pod/episodes/S1E7-Money-ea19ri
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St. Patrick's Easter LIVE Stream - https://www.facebook.com/StPatrickCatholicChurchMemphis
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Simon Sinek - The Infinite Game - https://amzn.to/3aQrX6A
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We're back! Yep, it took a pandemic for us to make time to record again. This time we're talking about how we're relearning to work from home, with an toddler co-worker and a company to run. Hear 10 tips and tricks about how we're getting by on what we expect is just the beginning of #FlatteningTheCurve.
Here's the Simon Sinek talk we mention: https://youtu.be/6spNnsD-XOY
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In this episode Lauren & Scott walk you through their goal setting process, review their 2019 goals and share their 2020 vision. Tune in to see where they fell short, what they crushed and how that will shape the next year.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott talk about grief during the holidays. How it sneaks up on you, how they cope and what it feels like to get through it.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott compare 2009 to 2019. Since it's the last month of the decade you'll hear what has changed over 10 years and just how much of that has impacted how they life live today. Plus, some funny throwback technology references and context for how far we've come in a decade.
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As we head into the holidays, Lauren & Scott discuss family differences that have shaped their perspectives on life, tradition and holidays. Hear how they have also inspired new traditions in their family of three.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott are inspired by "Pod Decks" to discuss three topics: 3 silly mistakes to avoid, 4 things you may not know about them and 5 things they are excited about right now. Tune in to hear some things that might surprise you and others that might be obvious by now.Then send your feedback to feedback@readyornotpodcast.com
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In National Adoption Month Lauren & Scott answer questions about their adoption process. The common questions and the ones people are afraid to ask. Send your questions to feedback@readyornotpodcast.com.
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A wedding gift from Scott's parents sparked a conversation very early on in their marriage. In this episode Lauren & Scott breakdown "The 5 Love Languages" from Dr. Gary Chapman's book. Find out what they learned, why it's important to their marriage and how you can apply it to work too.For more stories and links visit www.patreon.com/ReadyOrNot.
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This week Scott is out sick and Lauren takes over the podcast sharing two separate talks she's given to different crowds in Memphis. The first is about why she quit TV news. The second, a year later, talks about what video storytelling. Listen to hear why telling your story doesn't have to be perfect.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott participate in a coat of arms exercise. They discuss four impact moments in life, four core values, three things money can't buy and death can't take away, three strengths and weaknesses, and a vision for the future (one they are willing to fight for). Listen and learn how their differences actually compliment each other. Send your feedback to feedback@readyornotpodcast.com
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In this episode Lauren & Scott talk about finding balance in business growth and life. Hear what challenges they face and how they find balance in the most bizarre and helpful ways. Listen, then send them your feedback at feedback@readyornotpodcast.com
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Have a goal to complete in 2019? Make it fun! No seriously, that's what Lauren & Scott talk about as they head into the 4th quarter (the last 90 days of the year) they discuss their goals, revisit them and prioritize their time in the last three months of the year. Listen and then share your feedback at feedback@readyornotpodcast.com
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In this episode Lauren & Scott talk about liminal space, or the space between already and not yet. It's a conversation that was sparked by their attendance of STORY 2019. Hear perspectives from others about times of liminal space and why they are so vital to the ultimate story.
In this episode, Lauren & Scott sit down with their first two employees, Brody and Julie, to talk about working for a married couple (that's going through an adoption). The unique situation makes for an interesting, sometimes dysfunctional workplace. But it works! Tune in for behind the scenes perspective on running the company at a moments notice and growing together.
In this episode we sit down with the Ready wives and girlfriends to discuss our path to motherhood and how different it looks on everyone. We discuss the pressures of the world and the stereotypes about a woman's role in raising a child.
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One brother just became a father, one is a father to be and the other will have kids someday. So what happens when you get them all together to talk about fatherhood? Listen and find out!
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What keeps you up at night? In this episode Lauren & Scott share some real and honest answers to that question. Everything from our business, to education for all children, to anxieties of the world. Listen and share your thoughts at feedback@readyornotpodcast.com.
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Starting a business with your spouse, studying for exams and adopting a baby all at the same time? That's what Behavioral Science Consulting founders Alicia and Morgan Adair did two years ago. This week on Ready or Not Lauren & Scott talk with them about how the juggle it all.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with Truckish founders Aayush Thakur & Deme Yuan to talk about growing their start-up while preparing to welcome a baby into the world. Hear how a somewhat unexpected pregnancy turned into a beautiful blessing that gave them new purpose. Find out what they've learned, how their idea grew into a business and how they are balancing it all with a new baby.
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After 8 weeks off for summer vacation, Lauren & Scott are back at it and beginning and all new season of episodes featuring interviews and new topics. But this episode recaps some of the changes that happened over the break, how their business has changed and how their family is changing. Plus, hear a preview of what's to come this season.
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On this episode Lauren & Scott talk about how life feels out of control and what they do to try and regain control. Plus, hear why they're taking the summer off to plan out another batch of episodes of Ready Or Not.
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On this episode Lauren & Scott take listeners through the beginning of their video production business, Forever Ready Productions. Hear how it went from a hobby to an LLC and now a company with employees, office space and continued growth.BONUS: Book recommendations1. Dream Year: Make the Leap from a Job You Hate to a Life You Love - Ben Arment2. Ideal Team Player - Patrick Lencioni3. Hearding Tigers - Todd Henry4. A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to Building a Great Business (Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading)5. The Tax and Legal Playbook - Mark J. Kohler6. Radical Candor - Kim Scott7. Rock & Sand - Mike Synk
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with fellow business owners and adoptive parents, Tracy and Josh Burgess. They talk about their dream to run a bakery together and how that happened at the same time they began to foster their son, Gabe. Life doesn't always work out how you planned and their story is proof that sometimes you've got to say "ready or not!"
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In this episode, Lauren & Scott celebrate Max's first birthday. First with a recap of what they wish they would have known about parenthood and adoption a year ago. And then Lauren & Scott read letters that they wrote to Max. Grab a tissue, you'll need it for this episode!
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In this episode Lauren & Scott dive into their routine or should we say, they differences in that topic. Scott thrives under routine, it's his base. Lauren hates routine but knows it's important. Hear how they both handle it and how their differences actually work well together.Plus, for the first time ever (even to Scott) Lauren share something she wrote about routine several months before their routine changed forever.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott dive into the topic of goal setting. Scott's corporate background drives their desire to set SMART goals but Lauren's creative side makes them SMARTER. Listen as they explain the importance of setting goals, writing them down and even failing at them. Plus, hear some of their 2019 goals for the first time.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with their friend and personal trainer, Lisa Sanchez Sullivan of Energy Fitness, to talk about work-life balance, fitness and nutrition. Hear how there's not such thing as one size fits all.Plus find out how your can become a part of a $1 million fundraising goal in this year's Memphis St. Jude Marathon (Half Marathon) Weekend through Adam's Army. Link here: www.adamsarmy.net
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Scott barely has his voice but he's back to discuss Lauren & Scott's wedding anniversary and in this episode they share 7 things they've learned in 7 years. It's been quite a ride.
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This week Scott lost his voice, so Lauren decides to throw it back to a Theology on Tap talk the two gave in August 2018. It's a fitting piece that explores the joys and sorrows of their journey.The heartbreaking roller-coaster of a process taught them how to love each other, perfect strangers and eventually their son, Max. Lauren & Scott share details of their process of discernment, the heartbreaks and heartwarming moments and how their faith guided them through the process. It's a journey not just about family, marriage or adoption, it's about suffering, taking up the cross and following God wherever He leads you.
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In this Episode, Lauren & Scott travel to Iowa to talk with Scott's parents (who also happen to be Max's grandparents). They'll chat about becoming grandparents, opening their hearts to adoption and a very special woman who they believe helped play a role in the process.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with two of Max's grandparents, who also happened to be Lauren's parents.It can be nerve-wracking sometimes to tell family members about your decision to adopt, especially when you think they've always hoped for a biological grandchild.But sometimes (and in this case) that worry is for no reason. Hear why Jeff & Michele opened their hearts, minds and lives to their adopted grandson and how it has changed their entire world.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott discuss perception versus reality. How that plays out in success, relationships, family and life. Perception isn’t always reality.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott dive into the ever so curious topic of supporting each other's dreams. In their case, that mean following Lauren's TV career, despite it not being the highest paying job.Over the course of their relationship, they found that supporting each others dreams meant sacrificing, learning to communicate and ultimately making and pursuing dreams together.Hear what worked and what didn't. And hopefully feel inspired to support each other too.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott talk all things money. From what finance looked like for them in their early 20's to what it looks like in their married 30's. They also touch on business and adoption financing.Scott may not be a paid finance professional but his obsessive hobby has set them up for financial success. Listen as Scott shares what he's learned and the resources he continues to use today.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott discuss their new life as parents and how they find themselves stretching and growing at work and at home. They discuss identity, career, perception and a moment that links their past to their future.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott dive deep into life's biggest failures. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Hear about the first time they remember failing in life, career, infertility and adoption. It's a heartwarming and honest look behind the curtains (different from what we all see on social media). Plus, hear again from Marlene Siegel, owner of Mid-South Adoptions, Inc. She talks about failed adoptions and what it's like to come out on the other side.
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In this episode, Lauren & Scott talk about core values in business and life. Plus they host special guest, Shelley Skuster to talk about interracial adoptions. She’s an award-winning news reporter who -- after years of infertility, two adoptions and two pregnancies -- traded in her suit coats and red lipstick for the messy bun and yoga pants when she decided to leave TV news and stay at home.Her work has been published at The Huffington Post, TODAY Parents, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Scary Mommy, Adoption.com, Parent.co and The Mighty.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott sit down with their social worker, Marlene Siegel. She is the owner of Mid-South Adoptions, Inc. and has years of experience in adoption social work. Her agency is licensed to assist prospective adoptive parents and birth mothers plan for the adoption of a child. Listen as Lauren & Scott ask Marlene all kinds of questions about the process, tell from their own experience and recall the feelings of finalization. Marlene will also discuss the perspectives of a birth mother's decision to place her baby up for adoption. It's heartwarming to hear and should leave listeners feeling hopeful.
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In this episode Lauren & Scott do a deep dive in their personal adoption journey. They've broken it down into 7 "easy" steps for adoptive families. The truth is, this process is complicated and there are a lot of moving parts. But sharing their experience may help others along their journey. Plus, you get to hear all the ins and outs of what lead them to their son.
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Meet Lauren & Scott Ready. Hear how they met, dated and eventually got married. But they wanted to wait to started their family. The background will help listeners understand how a heartbreak led them to adoption while growing their business together. In this episode they also take a trip down memory lane to May 30th, 2018. 5 days after their son was born, 5 days after they met him.
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