Education
**Empowered Business**

The Empowered Business Podcast® is the go-to show for online entrepreneurs and content creators who want to create and sell digital products using smart, scalable strategies without getting overwhelmed or chasing every new trend.

Hosted by digital product strategist and AI educator Monica Froese, each episode delivers practical insights on how to build a sustainable online business using AI, sales funnels, and streamlined systems. Listeners will learn how to turn their knowledge into high-converting digital products, leverage AI to work faster and more efficiently, and implement marketing strategies that move the needle.

From product ideation and content creation to optimizing funnels and growing an e-commerce shop, this podcast breaks down what’s working right now and how to apply it. With a clear focus on real results (not recycled tactics), The Empowered Business Podcast empowers creators, coaches, and online business owners to confidently grow their revenue.

New episodes every Thursday.

Latest Episodes:

87: How Julie Chenell Uses AI as Her Second Brain (And You Should Too) May 22, 2025

Show notes

I’m so excited to bring you today’s episode because we’re diving into one of the most important conversations happening in the digital business world right now—how to actually use AI to grow your business without losing your voice or your sanity.

I sat down with my good friend and digital marketing powerhouse Julie Chenell, who you probably know as the co-founder of Funnel Gorgeous and Digital Insiders. Julie is the real deal—she’s built multimillion-dollar businesses, isn’t afraid to speak the truth, and she’s using AI in ways that are seriously game-changing.

In this episode, we talk about everything from building a “second brain” to handle your ideas and content, to streamlining customer support, to how AI can actually support your expertise instead of replacing it. No hype. No fear-mongering. Just real talk about how you can use AI to make smarter decisions, get more done, and scale your digital product business on your terms.

Let’s cut through the noise and get into what’s really working. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Julie’s entrepreneurial journey: Julie shares how she evolved from a mom blogger to building a multimillion-dollar business, including her successful pivot from ClickFunnels to High Level.

AI integration in business: We discuss how Julie is incorporating AI throughout Funnel Gorgeous, from customer support to education and even creating an AI employee with a dedicated phone number.

Using AI as your “second brain”: Julie explains her paradigm-shifting approach to using ChatGPT not just as a tool but as an extension of your thinking process by organizing and feeding it information consistently.

The value of human expertise with AI: We explore how AI enhances rather than replaces expertise, making experts more valuable by giving them better recall and data access.

Analysis of marketing performance: Julie shares how she uses AI to analyze webinar chat logs and performance data to improve future marketing efforts.

AI privacy concerns: We discuss common concerns about sharing intellectual property with AI and why many of these fears may be overblown for most business owners.

AI’s impact on content creation: We talk about how AI is becoming a mediator between content creators and consumers, and what this means for the future of digital products.

Custom GPTs vs. chat folders: Julie provides clarity on when to use custom GPTs versus simply using chat folders for personal use.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about Julie at JulieChenell.com.

Listen in on Julie's podcast - Million Dollar Grit.

Follow Julie Chenell on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

Check out Julie’s crazy popular Second Brain Training here.

Tired of piecing it all together on your own? The Empowered Business Society® is where creator business owners implement AI strategies, get real feedback, and stay current on what's working. Monthly Get It Done Weeks, live Coffee Chats, exclusive training, and a community of people who genuinely get online business. Join for $49/month! 🙌

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

86: What Happens When a Blog Grows Up: The Redefining Mom® Relaunch May 15, 2025

Show notes

Today, I'm sharing an exciting and deeply personal update - the relaunch of my OG Redefining Mom® brand—a project five years in the making. I'm walking you through my journey from launching Redefining Mom® as a mission-driven blog for working mothers, to letting it rest while building out the Empowered Business® brand. And now, bringing it back with renewed purpose and practical new content.

You'll hear all about the 40 and Fearless Bundle, a collaboration with over 35 digital creators designed to celebrate my 40th birthday and provide real support for moms in every stage of life—from identity shifts and relationships, to finances, maternity, postpartum, productivity, and innovative AI hacks. You'll also be privy to a transparent look behind the scenes, detailing my process for rebuilding the brand, developing new email funnels, refining branding, and building out community-driven strategies.

This episode is not only an inspirational story of brand reinvention, but also a masterclass in how to revive a passion project with bold strategy, authenticity, and a focus on both meaningful impact and business scalability. If you’re looking for a little nudge to help you dust off your own long-shelved ideas, this episode is for you.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Redefining Mom Brand® Relaunch
40 & Fearless Bundle
Six Content Pillars of Redefining Mom®
Brand Reinvention Strategy
Behind-the-Scenes Documentation
Tech Stack and Implementation
Product Launch Strategy
Future Plans for Redefining Mom®

Resources Mentioned:

Grab the 40 & Fearless Bundle before it disappears at midnight on Friday 5/16!

Check out the brand new Redefining Mom® AI Mom Hacks workshop series.

Follow along behind the scenes with my Redefining Mom® brand relaunch with the Comeback Case Study.

Browse the Redefining Mom® Shop to see all of our digital product offerings.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

85: The Empowered Business Lab® Got a Makeover—and AI Is the Star May 01, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to a transformative episode of the Empowered Business Podcast! In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the massive changes happening inside the Empowered Business Lab, highlighting how AI is shaking up the world of digital product creation and sales. I get real about my initial skepticism of AI and share the game-changing discoveries I've made once I started to embraced these powerful tools.

From slashing product development time—from months to mere hours—to mastering pricing strategies and optimizing sales funnels, I spills the secrets to building a sustainable, scalable, and profitable digital product business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to future-proof your online shop, this episode is packed with actionable insights on using AI the smart way—without sacrificing your unique expertise.

If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, and turn your expertise into a thriving digital product business, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Backstory and evolution of Empowered Business Lab®
The changing digital landscape (2023 and Beyond)
My initial skepticism and discovery with AI
Empowered Business Lab AI®: A complete overhaul
The limitations of AI in digital product creation
Packaging and pricing digital products with AI
Creating high-converting sales pages with AI
Leveraging data and AI for funnel optimization
Description of Empowered Business Lab AI®

Resources Mentioned:

Grab our BRAND NEW product - The Teach Your AI To Think Like You Guide.

Learn more about and enroll in the Empowered Business Lab AI® program.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

84: What Keeping Your Facebook Ads Running 24/7 Does for Your Business with Zach Spuckler Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Zach Spuckler—the powerhouse behind Heart, Soul, and Hustle and the Not Your Average Online Marketing Podcast—for a deep dive into all things Facebook and Instagram ads. I share my personal journey of overcoming a business downturn after turning off my paid ads, and how Zach’s strategies helped me reignite my lead generation engine and get back on track. Together, we break down the essential frameworks for running successful list-building ads, the compounding benefits of consistent lead generation, and practical tips for optimizing your ad spend—whether you’re just getting started or aiming to scale big.

Zach also shares his experience growing from a vegan food blog to a leading digital marketing agency, and offers insight into the ever-evolving world of digital advertising, including why ad testing, audience selection, and creative experimentation matter more than ever. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into Zach’s upcoming Facebook and Instagram Ads for List Building Bootcamp—an action-oriented challenge designed to help online entrepreneurs get real results from their ad efforts.

If you’re tired of hustling for organic growth, confused by changing ad strategies, or looking for practical advice to make your digital products business more profitable, this episode is packed with unfiltered insights you won’t want to miss!

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
The Importance of Paid Ads for Lead Generation and Business Stability
Zach’s Quarterly Ad Strategy Framework
Practical Examples and Adjustments in Ad Strategy
Budgeting and Calculating Ad Spend
Tracking Ad Performance and the Limits of Attribution Tools
The Mechanics of Running Facebook and Instagram Ads
Creative and Copywriting for Ads (Incorporating AI)
Creative Design: Types of Ad Images and Videos That Work

Resources Mentioned:

Find Zach Spuckler on Instagram. or at his website, Heart, Soul & Hustle.

Listen to Zach’s podcast, Not Your Average Online Marketing Podcast for outside the box tips for online marketers.

Check out Zach’s next Facebook Ads Challenge, which will run from April 28th to May 2nd (affiliate link).

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

83: Turn Business Expenses Into Dream Trips: Credit Card Points 101 for Entrepreneurs with Megan Lanford Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I’m exploring the world of travel hacking with my guest Megan Lanford. Megan is a travel points coach and the host of the Points to Paradise Podcast, where she teaches listeners how to use credit card points to travel without breaking the bank.Megan shares her wisdom on how you can leverage both personal and business spending to take amazing trips for free or at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about where to start or someone looking to advance your travel points game, Megan provides invaluable insights into maximizing your credit card benefits, understanding the ins and outs of transfer partners, and much more. Tune in to discover how you can turn your business and personal expenses into the vacation of your dreams!

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Basics of Travel Points

Travel points and credit card benefits reward your everyday spending. Personal and Business cards offer different advantages for various users. Starting with the right card, like Chase Sapphire Preferred, is essential for beginners.

Best Practices for Earning Points

Those with less credit history should build their points portfolio gradually. Signup bonuses offer the quickest way to accumulate substantial points. Combining personal and business spending optimizes point earning potential.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Points

Using multiple cards from issuers like Chase and Capital One benefits experienced collectors. Careful organization helps track fees and benefits across multiple cards. Advanced users can implement strategies to maximize point conversions between programs.

Managing Credit Impact and Rules

Credit card applications affect your credit score but can be managed with planning. The Chase 5/24 Rule limits approvals for those with five or more new cards in 24 months. Know which business cards report to personal credit bureaus and which don't.

Integrating Travel into Business Strategy

Points can reduce business travel costs significantly. Evaluate benefits of personal versus business spending to maximize returns on both types of expenditures.

Resources Mentioned:

Find Megan Lanford on Instagram at Points to Paradise.

Listen to Megan’s podcast, Points to Paradise, for more travel and credit card tips.

Check out Megan’s course, Travel Points Academy.

Download the free Travel Freely app which helps you manage and track your credit card strategy.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

82: YES, AI Helped Me Create a Digital Product. NO, It Didn't Do It For Me Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the incredible ways AI is revolutionizing the launch of new digital products. We’ll explore the power of ChatGPT in streamlining your product creation process and the importance of adding your unique personal touch to what AI generates.

I’ll walk you through my personal journey in developing the Empowered Divorce Planner using AI, highlighting how it transformed a once time-consuming process into a streamlined, efficient operation. From reverse engineering market research to harnessing the power of AI for refining your ideas, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a thriving digital product business.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

The Role of AI in Launching Digital Products

AI has significantly simplified the process of launching digital products in today’s market, but infusing a personal touch is still essential. Drawing from personal experience and insights creates a more meaningful connection with your audience and enhances the value of your digital offerings.

Market Insights and Strategy

TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for organic growth in the digital product space. I suggest using a personalized approach and strategy when using TikTok to promote her offerings. Generic marketing advice often falls short on platforms like TikTok, where authenticity and unique content tend to perform much better.

Critical Thought and AI Usage

When working with AI tools, it’s necessary to apply critical thought throughout the development process. The principle of “Junk in, Junk out” holds true.

Reverse Engineering in Product Development

Reverse engineering using search engines helps identify existing gaps in the market and opportunities for new products. AI can enhance the brainstorming process and assist in refining product concepts through iterative feedback.

Case Study: Empowered Divorce Planner

The creation of the Empowered Divorce Planner was motivated by personal experiences and a desire to help others facing similar challenges. AI assisted significantly in developing and structuring the planner, helping me to organize complex information in an accessible format. My personal experience played a crucial role in the product development, providing insights that AI alone could not generate.

Finalizing a Digital Product with AI

AI tools are invaluable when fleshing out and refining the details of a digital product. However, maintaining a balance between AI assistance and critical human input is vital for the final product to be authentic and valuable for users. The Custody Clarity Planner represents the successful outcome of this balanced approach.

Resources Mentioned:

Get The Ultimate Lazy Genius Hack for Digital Products – our free guide with AI-powered prompts to help with digital product creation.

Check out the latest product we partnered with our AI to create - The Custody Clarity Binder.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

81: The 5 Most Unexpected Ways I Use ChatGPT to Sell Digital Products Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

We’re diving deep into some unexpected ways you can use ChatGPT to boost your digital product sales and efficiency. If you’ve been scratching the surface with AI by just using it for Instagram captions, you’re in for a treat. Monica Froese shares five innovative strategies to leverage ChatGPT, transforming it into more than just a tool—it’s your strategy assistant.

We’ll explore how to train ChatGPT to truly capture your brand voice, engage with customer objections intelligently, create compelling bundles, and even develop personalized upsells. Plus, Monica introduces practical prompts that can enhance your digital products and make your messages irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, these insights will help you work smarter and generate more revenue.

So tune in to learn how ChatGPT can help you strategize like the CEO you are. And don’t miss out on the free guide “The Ultimate Lazy Genius Hack for Digital Products,” loaded with AI prompts to refine and enhance your offerings effortlessly.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss these unexpected ways to use ChatGPT for business growth:

1) Objection Crusher Matrix
ChatGPT can help you develop effective strategies to handle common customer objections, significantly improving your ability to close sales. We shared an example prompt that guides the AI in creating powerful objection rebuttals tailored to your specific products or services.

2) Pre-selling to AI
Testing product ideas with ChatGPT serves as an innovative form of focus group analysis before launch. This approach provides valuable insights into potential market reactions before investing significant resources in product creation.

3) Competition Analysis
ChatGPT can thoroughly analyze competitor strategies to reveal market opportunities and positioning advantages. By leveraging AI-generated insights about your competition, you can develop distinctive approaches that help your business stand out in crowded markets.

4) Dynamic Bundling
AI assistance enables the creation of compelling product bundles that significantly increase average order values and overall sales. ChatGPT excels at developing cohesive storytelling elements that make your bundles more appealing and logical to potential customers.

5) Creating High-Converting Upsell Offers
ChatGPT can help design strategic upsell offers based on customers’ previous purchasing behaviors and preferences. The AI provides specific guidance for crafting effective upsell pitches that feel personalized and valuable rather than merely transactional.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn how to sell your next digital offer before you even create it – Check out our Painless Preselling course!

Get The Ultimate Lazy Genius Hack for Digital Products - our free guide with AI-powered prompts to help with digital product creation.

Grab our BRAND NEW product - The Teach Your AI To Think Like You Guide.

The best place to hangout with us every day to be on top of online business trends and AI is the Empowered Business Society®

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

80: Turn ChatGPT Into Your Marketing Sidekick (for Just $20/Month) with Hayley Rissler Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

If you’re not leveraging AI, you’re working harder than you need to – I’m here to tell you there is a better way!

Together with my right-hand business partner Hayley Rissler, we will explore the incredible potential of AI tools, like ChatGPT, in streamlining and revolutionizing digital content creation. Throughout the episode, we’ll share insights on how we’ve integrated AI into our businesses, making it an indispensable “second employee” for just $20 a month.

We’re revealing our personal strategies for training AI to capture our unique voices and streamline workflows. Plus, learn how Hayley has tapped into AI’s potential not only in business but in her personal life as well.

Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with tips to help you navigate the AI landscape and harness its power for sustainable business growth. Join us as we ditch the fluff, leverage AI to work smarter, and turn your expertise into a thriving digital product empire.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Use of AI in Business Operations

Hayley and I have discovered the incredible potential of AI tools like ChatGPT for writing and brainstorming. Through experimentation, we’ve learned how to train AI to understand my personal and brand voice, comparing different platforms like ChatGPT and Castmagic to find the most effective solutions.

Practical Implementation of AI

We’ve also developed strategic approaches to inputting data that maximize AI efficiency. We’ve found that using transcripts can significantly improve the quality of AI suggestions, making our workflow smoother and more intelligent.

Brand Differentiation and AI Training

Maintaining a unique brand voice is crucial, and Hayley and I have developed techniques to ensure AI-generated content stays true to my brand’s identity. By carefully inputting our brand history, we can create more authentic and personalized AI interactions.

AI as a Supportive Tool in Everyday Life

AI has become an incredible companion in both our personal and professional lives. We’ve used it for creative parenting solutions and explored its potential for meal planning and dietary management. Gone are the days of traditional Google searches – now, we rely on AI-driven inquiries for more efficient and personalized information.

Development and Use of AI Tools and Resources
We’re excited to be developing a guide to help others train AI to think in their unique voice. Through our Empowered Business Lab, we’re planning workshops and updates to help people harness the full potential of artificial intelligence in their daily lives.

Resources Mentioned:

Go to the CopyClick Studio Website

Join Hayley’s Draft Membership

Follow Hayley on Instagram

If you are ready to dive into the world of digital products and AI, the best place to start is with Empowered Business Lab AI®. Enroll by Sunday, March 30th at 11:59 PM Eastern and save $500!

Grab our BRAND NEW product – The Teach Your AI To Think Like You Guide.

The best place to hangout with us every day to be on top of online business trends and AI is the Empowered Business Society®.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

79: AI Unleashed: How to Turn One Digital Product into Multiple Revenue Streams Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're diving into the transformative power of AI for revolutionizing your digital product strategy.

We're uncovering how AI can elevate the repurposing of your content, turning one digital product into multiple revenue streams. We’ll explore real-world success stories, like how Taylor Swift and Disney have masterfully repurposed content, and delve into examples from my own business on using AI to enhance and reinvent products. Plus, we'll give you a sneak peek into my upcoming live session at the AI Unleashed for Business Summit, where I'll reveal groundbreaking ways AI can optimize your content strategy.

Whether you're a digital product veteran or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage AI for smarter, not harder, business growth.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

AI in Business

AI has become ubiquitous in today's business landscape, creating a clear divide between those who are embracing its potential and those who continue to ignore it. I recently participated in the AI Unleashed for Business Summit to share my experiences with integrating AI into business operations.

Overview of AI Unleashed for Business Summit

The AI Unleashed for Business Summit will take place on March 25 2025 as a live session featuring more than 30 experts in the field. The Summit focuses on delivering real strategies for implementing AI in various business contexts and offers free access to all sessions and related materials.

My Summit Session

My session at the Summit covers the history of my business journey and how it evolved to include digital product offerings. I'll discuss the development of the Empowered Business Lab® and my digital product shop, along with the creation of the Digital Shop Experience™ platform.

Content Repurposing Strategies

Content repurposing strategies have historical precedents, as demonstrated by successful examples like Taylor Swift and Disney. Before AI tools became available, businesses utilized techniques such as bundling, unbundling, and repurposing live events to maximize their content value.

Audience Engagement and Questions

I regularly engage with my audience by answering their most frequent questions through quick tip videos. These videos showcase examples of product creation and content repurposing methods that were effective even before AI tools became widely available.

Enhancements with AI

AI has enabled significant enhancements to existing content, as illustrated by my work with the Family Budget Spreadsheet. AI assistance has been invaluable in identifying adjacent audiences and creating tailored products to meet their specific needs.