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PODCAST

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda

Katie Elzer-Peters and Amanda Thomsen

Finally, a show that encourages you to be YOU while going about your business! Two friends in the green industry (Digital marketing agency owner Katie Elzer-Peters and retail shop owner Amanda Thomsen) discuss life as middle-aged women entrepreneurs in the mid 2020s. Expect a hefty dose of retail operations real-talk, small business marketing and tech tips, appearances from Amanda"s shop ghost and plenty of nonsense. The show notes are epic.

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

00:34:12

Open & Awkward: BEST OF SEASON 1 - BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/06/03

In this "Best of" Business Highlights (Part 2) episode, Amanda and Katie share business insights and marketing strategies. Like, did you know if you boost a Facebook post on your iPhone using Apple’s iOS app, they tack on a 30% surcharge? GAH! They also answer key questions like: What should be in your Instagram bio? What’s a quick win you can give people in your emails? And how often should you be sending them anyway? Plus, a reminder to seek advice beyond your peers. Fresh perspectives

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00:37:13

Open & Awkward: ACTUALLY USEFUL TIP™

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/05/27

Subtitle: Jaunty ElectronicaSummary: Katie and Amanda discuss: what is your time worth? They share jobs they decided to take (or skip) and talk about their upcoming Stealth Workshop/Education Party at Cultivate … you should definitely come! Katie shows off a helpful diagram from her business coach, Meg, on the phases of business and self-care. Amanda talks about how her original business model has evolved into something much different that she originally planned (spoiler: she might need a bigger

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00:35:03

Open & Awkward: DITCH, PLEASE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/05/20

Subtitle: Toxically PositiveSummary: In this episode, Katie shares her recent diagnosis of polymorphic light eruption (a sun allergy) that’s forced her to rethink her routines and how she moves through daily life. Amanda shares that people often find her scary, when in reality, she’s just CONFIDENT and unwilling to play along with the phoniness that’s so common in retail. They also swap tips about battling invasive plants (Katie’s fighting Poison Ivy, Amanda’s wrangling Goji berries). Finally, the

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00:31:22

Open & Awkward: INSOMNIA

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/05/13

Subtitle: Lose the FilterSummary:Amanda confesses to sending a marketing email in the middle of the night (hello, insomnia). Her results might just change the way you think about email timing! Katie brings two stellar tips to the table: one for making your website work harder, and another that could seriously improve your email popup game. Amanda shares why she's still loyal to MailChimp (hint: NPR had something to do with it), and we find out exactly how much she despises snail mail. Plus, (spoiler

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00:32:52

Open & Awkward: CODE WORD

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/05/06

Subtitle: PicklesSummary: Amanda brings an interesting customer situation to the table and asks Katie the all-important question: "Is this a pickle?" Meanwhile, Katie has updates on attending the Azalea Festival, her long-awaited newsletter, and a new art class series that she’s taking. Amanda also reveals what she's planning to plant in the raised bed outside her shop, and her choices might just surprise you.Highlights:Is this a pickle?Katie attends Azalea Festival.Katie’s newsletter

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00:34:15

Open & Awkward: CALLING IN

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/04/29

Subtitle: Not for EveryoneSummary:Amanda shares highlights from her recent trip to Dollywood: great food, fun coasters (though not quite Disney-level creative inspiration), and an awkward moment of being recognized in public. Katie reveals her roller-coaster coping strategy: shutting her eyes the whole ride…HA! Amanda talks about how her monthly product drops were gaining traction until she dropped the ball (pun fully intended). They also discuss Cultivate, which Amanda lovingly dubs the Queen

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00:30:33

Open & Awkward: TEMPORARY OBSESSIONS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/04/22

Subtitle: Finding a New RhythmSummary:In this episode, Amanda talks about her recent trip to Dollywood and the garden cleanup that didn’t happen. Plus a canceled visit with her friend Andrew that opened up time to catch up on life and work. Katie returns from a heavy family trip only to sprain her ankle, (because of course she did). They discuss burnout, how Katie is redefining her work-life balance, and a coincidental conversation about the new book Garden to the Max… edited by none other than

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00:30:34

Open & Awkward: BEST OF SEASON 1 - DON'T STOP, KEEP...

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/04/15

Our Most Open and Awkward Moments of 2024In this special best of episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be open and awkward, boldly taking up space, embracing authenticity, and choosing to live fully. Seize the moment (carpe diem!) and reject the grind of the billionaire machine. We’re here to remind you: being real is cool, and being real is important. This episode is all about inspiring people, creating community, and making time to actually enjoy being alive. Keep going, keep

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00:30:24

Open & Awkward: INBOX OVERLOAD

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/04/08

Subtitle: Drunk Seed ShoppingSummary: Amanda prepares to close Aster Gardens for a short spring break to visit Dollywood with her family, right when there’s so much to do in the garden and at the store. Meanwhile, Katie announces her departure from A24, the company she co-founded, as she steps away to support a family member facing serious health issues. They discuss managing email notifications, tackling inbox overwhelm, and the very real struggle of decision fatigue. And in a lighter twist, Amanda

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00:31:19

Open & Awkward: MAKE IT MAKE SENSE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/04/01

Subtitle: Assumptions, Astrology and AdaptationSummary:Big changes are coming near Aster Gardens! Amanda’s getting two new neighbors: a brow lounge and a boba & smoothie shop. She’s eager to see how they’ll impact her business. She and Katie discuss assumptions and how they impact forecasting and business planning. Katie talks about missing her newsletter (hey, life happens) and how she’s excited to bring it back. They also touch on astrology, belief systems, and Amanda’s new favorite tool,

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00:21:28

Open & Awkward: PUT ME IN, COACH

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/03/25

Subtitle: Make a Moss MosaicSummary:Amanda is heading to iLandscape after recording, but first, she and Katie tackle a big question …do you have to respond to every message that lands in your inbox? Katie brings up apocalypse gardening (because, hey, you never know), and she also shares her experience reengaging with her business coach, Meg Morrison, who she highly recommends! Finally, this episode is brought to you by Amanda’s Moss Mosaic Kits, because everyone needs to have a moment of

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00:30:58

Open & Awkward: BEST OF SEASON 1 - WHAT ENTERTAINED US

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/03/18

Our Favorite Finds of 2024In this special "Best of" episode, Amanda and Katie rehash the things that kept them entertained in 2024. They share their favorite books, original art, and must-listen podcasts. You may even hear them touch on sports! Listen up to hear their favorites: what made them laugh, think, and silly things that helped them unwind. Tune in for a great conversation about the fun moments that stood out in 2024.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Work

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00:33:17

Open & Awkward: BEST OF SEASON 1 - ESSENTIAL TIPS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/03/11

If you haven't tuned in yet, this is the episode to start with! We’ve packed it with the best advice from Season 1. It's got everything from social media strategies to POS system insights and must-read business books. Listen up for tips on streamlining operations, boosting social media engagement and getting just plain INSPIRED! This episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss it!The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.aster.gardensKatie’s Work Instagram:

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00:29:54

Open & Awkward: IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS DEAD

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/03/04

Subtitle: Looking for a UnicornSummary: Katie brings up how important it is to her to have a strong support system as a business owner and how that sets her up for success. Amanda shares her plans to hire a manager for her shop. She wants someone with plant knowledge and steady leadership, possibly from the local junior college hort program. She spills the beans on her recent clothing swap (a bit of a bust) but is looking forward to a community potluck she’s hosting. Amanda also shares creative ways

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00:36:27

Open & Awkward: I'M FINE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/02/25

Subtitle: Action Cures FearSummary: In this episode, Katie opens up about ignoring business fears in hopes they disappear (spoiler alert: they typically don’t). Amanda brings up her money hangups, including her habit of giving discounts to customers she likes. They discuss negotiating pricing with confidence, the importance of creating a welcoming “third place” for community, and how activities help people connect. Amanda shares her experience starting ADHD medication, and they chat about the

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00:30:30

Open & Awkward: COMMUNITY NOW

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/02/18

Subtitle: Extra AwkwardSummary:In this episode, Amanda shares a rant about TikTok and how some content feels overly produced, while Katie points out that most garden center owners aren’t content creators, it’s just a means to an end ($$$). They also discuss how Facebook and Instagram have become “pay to play,” with algorithms favoring discovery over showing content to followers. Meanwhile, Katie has been enjoying spending less time on her phone and more time crocheting. Oh, and in a twist of

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00:31:03

Open & Awkward: SOUP HAPPENS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2025/02/11

Subtitle: Show Up for YourselfSummary: Welcome to Season 2 of Open & Awkward where Katie and Amanda are full of inspiration on taking action, embracing change, and nurturing your creative spark! Amanda talks about an experience with a vendor from the farmer’s market and the importance of showing up for yourself. Think about it, great ideas are only as good as the action you take to bring them to life. Katie shares her thoughts on Mel Robbins' new book, Let Them. Together, they discuss the

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00:49:18

Open & Awkward - Episode 38: EXTRA OPEN

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/12/31

Subtitle: If you build it, they will comeSummary: In this season finale, Katie shares that she had her first customer service inquiry for her new business. (Do you want a Certified Shopify Online Garden Center? Contact Katie!) Amanda opens up about receiving a firm diagnosis from her psychologist, leading to an in-depth discussion about anxiety and depression medications. Katie and Amanda discuss their hopes and plans for the new year and reflect on the importance of living intentionally. Wrapping

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00:33:12

Open & Awkward - Episode 37: MEETING OR FIST FIGHT?

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/12/24

Subtitle: Concierge Service Summary: Amanda and Katie watched the new Martha Stewart documentary (have you seen it?) and shared their newfound admiration for the lifestyle icon. Amanda was inspired by Martha's pragmatic, common-sense approach, while Katie enjoyed learning how she used art as an inspiration. This leads to a discussion about the division of housework in their own homes, followed by Amanda's exciting plans for 2025 as she expands her business to include a concierge garden service. Oh,

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00:33:25

Open & Awkward - Episode 36: LEAF IT

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/12/17

Subtitle: Cultivate Takeover Summary: Katie and Amanda catch up on everything from tech upgrades to garden chores. Katie shares how she had her fall garden "chop & drop" cleanup with Tami, leading to a discussion on fall cleanup tips and how practices vary by region, (magnolia leaves, anyone)? They reveal how they got to see each other IRL again and share the exciting news about their upcoming speaking engagement at the Cultivate trade show in Ohio with Ben. Don’t miss their session at

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