The Soul Proprietor

Ever wonder if the secret to business and purpose is just relentless action or if it actually takes a total rewiring of who you think you are? This episode, Melody and Josh Latimer (with plenty of teasing from Curt behind the scenes) dig into what’s underneath bold commitments, generosity goals the size of small countries, and why “holding the pose” might be the most honest advice you’ll ever get for leveling up.

What They Talk About:

Melody’s nearly ready to start a fight club or at least dish out a little “petty justice.” This episode is basically what happens when you hit your late 40s and realize you’re done tiptoeing around fragile egos, especially when being “nice” never seems to work out. Curt and Melody share about a messy neighbor drama, the exhausting rules women are still expected to follow, and where standing up for yourself starts to feel like a crime.

What They Talk About:

Everyone keeps saying AI should make our work lives easier but is anyone actually working less? This week, Melody and Curt talk about burnout, why faster tech just puts more on our plates, and how even “delegating” can feel like another job. It’s one part therapy session, one part practical experiment in finding sanity as a business owner in the AI age.

What They Talk About:

Curt and Melody are wrestling with what “normal” even means anymore.. especially for Gen X business owners living through the AI revolution. If you’ve ever wondered whether tech is actually making life easier or just making you feel like you’re always chasing your tail, this one’s for you. They dig into overwhelm, nostalgia, adaptability, and whether anyone actually knows what’s real online.

What They Talked About:

Ever wonder what really happens when workaholism, family expectations, and a purpose-driven heart collide? In this episode, Melody and Curt dig into the reality of entrepreneurship with Michael Hinderliter—aka the “power wash guy”—who’s lived through business reinvention, divorce, and the very human challenge of not losing yourself (or your mind) along the way.

What We Talk About:

Mental health is one of those things entrepreneurs love to ignore, but it sneaks up on all of us (usually in the form of workaholism, anxiety, or quarter-life crises... that somehow become annual). In this part 3 episode with Bobby Walker, Curt & Melody share about their own struggles, childhood trauma, religious dogma, and the ways business ownership can both help and hurt your brain. If you've ever felt like you're rolling a boulder uphill or hiding your symptoms behind “just working really hard,” this conversation is for you.

What They Talk About:

Entrepreneurs love the thrill of chasing the unknown or do they actually crave certainty and stability more than they'd admit? In this episode, Melody and Curt spiral through the chaos, uncertainty, and optimism that seem baked into business ownership. It's a closer look at why we white-knuckle through unpredictability, and whether being “addicted to uncertainty” is actually a badge of honor or just a survival strategy.

What Curt & Melody Talk About:

Sometimes you just have a "blah" day and if you’re an entrepreneur, the pressure to stay “on” can make you question everything. This episode is the business owner’s confessional: Melody admits she’s feeling stuck and a little sun-starved, and Curt brings stories of finding creative flow and how wisdom (or sometimes, exhaustion) shapes what actually matters in your workday. They talk through not-so-sparkly days, bike-racing and doping analogies, the myth of endless hustle, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is outsource, nap, or both.

What They Talk About:

Ever felt like your faith got you into business and then one day, it didn’t fit anymore? In this head-spinning, raw, and sometimes hilarious episode, Curt sits down with Bobby Walker (for round two!) to peel back the story of deconversion: from zealous Pentecostal minister to proud atheist, with marriage, business, and “the dark night of the soul” along for the ride. This one’s for anyone who’s ever questioned their foundation and wondered what happens next.

What They Talk About:

Curt and Melody bring on Bobby Walker for the ultimate "what actually happens when you go from devout faith to atheism AND still try to build a purposeful business?" episode. Imagine three close friends debating God, morality, and whether Coldplay concerts count as spiritual experiences.. without any certainty, plenty of sarcasm, and zero patience for cheap shots.

What They Talk About:

Ever wonder if staying quiet is actually neutral.. or if sometimes, silence is complicit? This week, Melody and Curt digs into the pressure to stay “out of it” when the world feels like it’s falling apart, and what happens when your values bump up against the chaos of politics, family, and business.

What They Talk About:

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Am I happy, or am I just riding the emotional rollercoaster of everyone around me?” This week, Melody and Curt get brutally honest about the messiness of happiness.. how much of it we actually control, how much is tied up in our relationships (and our businesses), and whether you can ever really keep your emotions in your own sandbox.

Melody & Curt Talk About:

Being present sounds easy, but for entrepreneurs whose brains never stop spinning business plates, it can feel downright impossible, especially when family and holiday expectations crash in.

In this episode, Melody and Curt talks about what it really takes to show up for your people, why “just turn your phone off” is terrible advice, and how guilt, workaholism, and that familiar business-owner urgency sabotage our best intentions.

What They Talk About:

Letting people go, holding your team accountable, and figuring out what kind of leader you actually want to be.. none of it’s simple. In this episode, Melody and Curt talks about the messiness of managing people you genuinely care about, the emotional cost of firing, and what happens when your "people-first" values run up against business realities. Expect stories, frustration, a little sparring, and a surprising amount of compassion.

What Melody & Curt Talk About:

Ever get that feeling your brain is sprinting in a million directions while the rest of the world is taking a slow stroll? This episode is all about living and thriving with ADHD as an entrepreneur. Melody shares the vulnerable, messy reality behind her diagnosis and running a business with a “sparkly brain,” while Curt brings his undiagnosed-but-oh-so-familiar Ferrari brain energy and the worry, self-doubt, and relentless hacks that go with it. We get personal, philosophical, and practical about what ADHD means in a world built for Hondas and why that might not be a bad thing.

What...

Curt and Melody sit down with their friend Meaghan Likes- entrepreneur, accountant, investor, and the human behind the name Meg Likes Money, for a conversation that goes exactly nowhere they expected.

Curt tries to talk about capitalism.

Meaghan politely shuts that down.

And what unfolds is a surprisingly grounded conversation about money, power, obligation, and what’s really driving entrepreneurs when they say they “want more.”

Meaghan has built and partnered in businesses across accounting, software, home services, and tech. She’s seen the bank accounts, profit margins, and pressure points behind t...

Partnerships sound amazing!

Another brain.

Shared responsibility.

Someone else to help shoulder the weight of building something hard.

But what happens when real life tests the agreement you signed on a good day?

In this episode, Curt and Melody talk honestly about their own business partnership experiences and what they’ve learned.

This isn’t a how-to episode. Although there is advice, there’s no checklist that guarantees success. It’s a conversation about what partnerships actually feel like from the inside.

The good, the awkward...

What happens when two “sparkly-brained” entrepreneurs sit down to explore what it really means to be a business misfit? In this Special Christmaas episode, Curt and Melody revisit their first-ever podcast conversation, diving into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, vision, and vulnerability.

You’ll hear their candid takes on fighting imposter syndrome, the magic (and madness!) of visionary leadership, and why emotional intelligence is as vital as your bottom line. They swap stories about the joys and messiness of building a business your own way, how to harness big ideas without overwhelming your team, and what it takes...

Have you ever wondered how Melody and Curt met and started this podcast? Well, this is your chance to know how everything started! In this special episode, we’re bringing back one of the episodes of Melody’s previous podcast, Business Misfits Podcast, where Curt was one of the guests of Melody. And this is their first-ever recording together!

This episode talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship, covering topics like imposter syndrome, emotional intelligence, business growth, and building authentic company culture.

Curt and Melody share honest insights about leadership, hiring visionary teams, implementing new habits, and...

This week on Soul Proprietor: Does integrity actually pay off in business?

Melody and Curt swap stories about reputations being tested, the messy reality of trying to do the right thing, and what it feels like when your best intentions completely miss the mark.

The conversation swings between frustrating and funny as they dissect the gap between our noble stories about operating with integrity and what actually happens when money’s on the line.

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve ever questioned whether being the “good guy” is worth the cost<...

Curt and Melody get real about how different communities have shaped their lives as entrepreneurs .. from women’s business meetups to sales conferences and even working with international teams. Melody talks about what it felt like to step into new circles and suddenly question where she really belonged, while Curt shares the surprise of joining a sales group he never thought would be “his” kind of space.

They trade stories about what it’s like to work with people in the Philippines, handle everyday challenges, and push through bigger setbacks along the way. The conversation naturally drifts into wha...

Certainty feels good.

It gives us the illusion of control.

But when we hold tight to being “right,” it can make us less open, less curious, and less willing to consider other people’s experiences. That gap can lead us to act in ways that don’t match the values we say we care about.

This week, Curt and Melody talk certainty, how religion can shape moral blind spots, when confidence supports leadership and when it gets in the way, and how to stay connected to people who believe differently while still holding your own...

This year? It’s been a lot.

Inflation, AI chaos, hiring struggles, tension in the air... and yet, here comes Thanksgiving, asking us to be grateful. So what does that even look like when your legs are cramping (figuratively or otherwise) and your business is running on fumes?

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Curt and Melody take a break from the business to reflect on what it actually means to lead with gratitude, not just when things are good, but when you’re tired, depleted, and trying to find meaning in the middle of it all...

Guess What!?

We Took The week off...

We'll be back next week with a very special Thanksgiving Episode.

This week Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards unpack the hidden cost of caring too much as a business owner. They explore how passion, the very thing that fuels success, can quietly turn into exhaustion and resentment when boundaries aren't in place.

Melody shares how taking a week off forced her to see where over-caring had crept in, while Curt reflects on the signs that caring has crossed the line into overextension. Together, they examine what it means to stay invested in your work without letting it consume you.

They discuss:

Curt and Melody explore the intricate relationship between being a visionary and a control freak in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the delicate balance needed to successfully bring ideas to life. They delve into the challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to realize their visions, often battling the impulse to micro-manage their teams while striving for innovative outcomes. The duo reflects on personal experiences and anecdotes, highlighting how their journeys have shaped their understanding of risk, creativity, and the nuances of leadership. They also touch on the importance of delegation, illustrating how a strong integrator can help visionaries maintain focus while allowing others...

Sometimes the hardest part of growth (and leadership) is letting go.

In this episode, Curt and Melody get honest about what it really takes to evolve your business without betraying your values. They unpack how control, care, and clarity can all coexist — and what happens when holding on too tight starts to suffocate the very growth you’ve been working for. This one’s about trust, boundaries, and the kind of maturity that doesn’t always feel good while it’s happening, but always leads somewhere truer.

They talk about:

This week Curt and Melody are naming the thing so many entrepreneurs quietly wrestle with: workaholism.

In a culture that glorifies the hustle, they ask, where’s the line between healthy drive and emotional avoidance?They swap stories of burnout, self-sabotage, and the tricky ways “freedom” can turn into just another excuse to stay busy.

Melody opens up about life after selling her first business (and why she still calls herself a recovering workaholic). Curt shares the year a product launch nearly broke him.

It’s a candid conversation about how busyness becomes a social...

Curt and Melody unpack the ethical questions around artificial intelligence in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast. They explore how AI can be both a powerful tool for creativity and productivity, and a challenge to authenticity and human connection. With humor and honesty, they share personal stories about using AI, touching on fears of job loss, whether it will inspire or destroy creativity, and the risks of over-reliance.

Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards ask a tough question in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast: is it God guiding decisions, or is it us? They dig into faith vs personal accountability, sharing real-life stories that challenge traditional beliefs. The conversation explores how to tell the difference between divine inspiration and personal ambition, and why humility and responsibility matter when navigating both faith and business.

With honesty and humor, they admit the tension of faith and skepticism in their own lives. The episode highlights that faith isn’t a simple answer; it’s an ongoing process of g...

Curt and Melody talk about how to sell without losing your integrity in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast.

They share the common struggle many entrepreneurs face-wanting to help people but fearing sales will make them seem pushy or fake. Melody reflects on how she leans on referrals and avoids traditional sales, while Curt describes how selling services sometimes left him feeling like a fraud.

Together, they explore how sales can shift from a transaction to a relationship. They stress the importance of believing in what you offer, building trust, and staying aligned with...

In this episode, Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards tackle a phrase that strikes a nerve for many entrepreneurs: “It’s just business.”

What does it really mean when people say this? Is it a harmless way to explain tough decisions, or just a convenient excuse to avoid responsibility for how business impacts real people?

Curt and Melody dive into their personal experiences, sharing stories about layoffs, difficult choices, and the challenge of separating emotion from entrepreneurship.

Along the way, they explore whether you can, or even should, detach your personal values from your busine...

In this episode, Curt opens up to Melody Edwards in a candid discussion about his journey through faith, spirituality, and their profound impact on his entrepreneurial life.

Curt opens up about his upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, how it shaped his values and beliefs, and how his ongoing crisis of faith has led him to re-evaluate some of these principles.

He shares anecdotes about the misconceptions surrounding his faith, while also addressing deeper, often uncomfortable truths about the doctrines he grew up with. As they delve into the nuances of...

Melody doesn't know if she believes in God, But she know's she's going to hell for even thinking it.

In this episode, she opens up about growing up in a strict evangelical world and how that upbringing planted both deep convictions and deep doubts. She and Curt explore the tension of searching for truth while still carrying the values ingrained from childhood.

They also dig into how political events can shake long-held beliefs, creating moments of crisis that force a re examination of faith.

Melody shares candid reflections on identity, doubt, and the...

In this bonus clip, Curt and Melody dive into the heart of their podcast journey, sharing their motivation for creating a space where entrepreneurs can explore the deeper aspects of their lives and businesses. They emphasize the importance of understanding the internal drivers behind their entrepreneurial spirit, recognizing that these insights empower them to project their values into the world.

Their discussions transcend typical business talk, delving into spirituality, ethics, and personal beliefs that shape their unique approaches. Both share a passion for meaningful conversations that challenge conventional business norms while fostering curiosity and vulnerability.

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Welcome to the Soul Proprietor Podcast, Launching September 24th.

Hosted by Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards.

Episodes come out every Wednesday, wherever you listen to your podcasts.