A Side of Syrup

EP014: Finding Energy and Wellness Wherever Life Takes You with Angie Aldape

Introducing our first episode of Season 2
My first job in LA led me to meet Angie. She was herself right from the get go: organized, responsible, and with a beaming smile of sunshine. She immediately put me in her tight circle of friends and in 15 years, hasn’t let me go. For that, I’m incredibly thankful.
While we have many shared interests - traveling, good food & wine, fitness - we’ve each found ways to incorporate wellness into our lives in a way that works just for us.
In this episode, Angie, a Microsoft executive, dives into what works for her and how she keeps healthy and avoids burnout. Angie also has great tips for what to pack while traveling (and well, maybe have an awkward run-in or two with TSA) and how to sleep well.

EP 013: Finding the Right Light with Molly McCauley

Saving the best for last.
Years ago I got matched with a wedding photographer who I didn’t like. The person’s work was very traditional and dialed in. Like they did the standard shots hundreds of times. Most of all the work didn’t have soul. The brides and grooms looked terrified and no one was having fun. I took a moment and called the head of the company. I needed someone else. Especially with the investment we were taking with our photos.
I didn’t get sent any names, I got sent photo galleries. It was easy to scroll through and pick out things that I liked, but honestly many were the same old same old. That is until I got to Molly’s photographs. They were stop in your tracks, how did you do that with that light, these are moments that are for forever.
I knew Molly’s work was special right from the get go, but then I met her in person and I’ve been a fan girl ever since. Molly’s creative and soulful and real. She’s always seeking to do better, learn more, and push the boundaries of what it means to be a photographer.
The light that shines through in Molly’s photos and her quick to sell out Make Pretty Workshop’s are straight from the source - Molly herself.
I’m thrilled to chat with Molly and have her as the final guest for Season 1 of A Side of Syrup. Also, check out some of our favorite photos she’s taken. (Including the branding work for Syrup)!

EP 012: Disrupting the Cookie Category with Kirstyn Shaw

Ever wonder what euphoria tastes like? It’s one of Kirstyn’s cookies.
Or bars. Or rice krispie treats. Or brownies. Seriously, anything she makes is better than the last. (And as a sweets connoisseur and someone who’s childhood dog was named Candy - I know a thing or two about great sweets)!
In all seriousness, Kirstyn’s been cooking and feeding those she loves since she was a kid. She knew her gift early and honed it. Bringing joy and love to others in the form of food. Little did she know it then, but she tapped into one of Syrup Coaching’s main tenets of wellness - community - building it as she went. And when she was ready [the pandemic sort of made us ready for anything, right?] she launched a business to bring her gift to the masses. Along the way she disrupted the cookie business, making it fun, collaborating with likeminded people and causes that mattered. Plus, I swear she’s created a new market demand for cinnamon roll cookies.
Stay tuned for lots of big things from Kirstyn. Yes, I’m talking about her holiday menu. But I’m also talking about a retail location in LA in the very near future.

EP 011: The Journey to Building Your Wildest Dreams with Shelton Wilder

From retail roots to real estate icon.
Sixteen years ago I was struck by a Southern woman with incredible charisma, gumption, and kindness. She was the kind of person who was going somewhere. Somewhere big. I knew I had to follow along for her ride.
With hard work and tenacity, Shelton has built her company from the ground up. Recruiting talent who has her values and passion for giving back.
One thing I love about Shelton is that she is who she is. She doesn’t hold back or hide anything. Her life’s lessons have fueled her growth and make for an amazing learn & listen.

EP 010: Ask Me Anything with Syrup Coaching’s Shannon Pfeffer

I often get asked the same questions about my personal health, wellness, and yes, even my height. This episode covers my ten most asked question and answers them all in detail.

EP 009: Taking Action to Make Life Happen with Libby Springer, Marketing Exec & Boutique Owner

Are you looking to get inspired today?
Well then, you certainly came to the right place. Meet Libby Springer - marketing executive, boutique owner, mom of three. She makes it look like a breeze. I’m not talking Instagram vs. Reality here. Libby is a prime example of someone who has spent years of her life prioritizing her time, wellness, and happiness. She’s built a life she’s incredibly proud of and one my friends, you’ll want to emulate after listening to our conversation.
What makes Libby beyond great and secretly making me want to be in her inner circle? She’s herself. Incredibly confident in who she is, what she wants, and the life she’s built for her family. It’s not just for show. It's spawned from her brilliance at tackling the seasons of her life with a plan (for her career, family and herself).

EP 008: Pursuing Your Dreams, Positively with Arianna Brooks, Children’s Book Author

Do you ever finish a book and wonder where the author got their creativity? That is exactly what will happen when you finish any of Arianna Brooks books. You’ll put it down and Google her and see what else she's written. Arianna's talent shines, but so does her positivity. She's making her dreams happen, all with a smile on her face and through her eyes. 

EP:007 Reading Nutrition Labels 101 - Organic vs. Natural

Ever pick something up, look at the beautiful packaging and glance over its health claim... then put it in your cart? I'm launching a new series to teach you how to quickly and easily become an informed shopper, ensuring what you put in your cart is best for you and your family. First thing's first - organic vs. natural, what does it mean?

EP 006: Trusting the Timing of Your Life with Tamara Young of Consign Couture

Ever wonder what would happen if you listened to your gut and let time do the rest of the work? Insert Tamara Young, founder and owner of Consign Couture. In the twenty years I've known her, Tam is an expert at trusting the timing of your life and trusting life's direction. 

EP 005: The Importance of Community Building with Brooke Lawler of Behere

Why does building a community matter for your health and the well-being of those around you?
Brooke Lawler of Behere is sharp, smart, and genuine. No wonder she’s built a business, a side hustle, and a life all around community. This episode touches on career, family, philosophy, and the importance of getting dirty outside. Enjoy it, with a warm cup of coffee (IYKYK), preferably in nature.