
Livelihood Matters Podcast
By Merlinda Francois

Livelihood Matters PodcastDec 22, 2021

23. Overcoming challenges as a side-hustler with Rianna Patterson
In this week’s episode on the Livelihood Matters Podcast, Merlinda talks with Rianna Patterson about her journey as a Queens Young Leader, side-hustler, and student as an immigrant in the United Kingdom. Rianna speaks about the various opportunities that exists for Caribbean people and why we should not allow our challenges and surroundings to keep us back.
Follow us on Instagram: The Show | The Host
Guest Details:
Rianna Patterson is a multi-award winning global TEDx speaker, change maker and founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation. She has shared her story and contributed to events in the Caribbean, UK and USA. She has built a brand through public speaking engagements, storytelling, and social impact projects.
Follow her on Instagram
Follow on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter.
Visit Rianna’s website.

22. Side-hustle struggles, monetizing and building resilience with Vee Kelly
In a world of work where busyness is the new normal, learning to slow down is important. Merlinda and Vee discuss the reality of building a side-hustle, the struggles and mindset shifts that are required. Vee Kelly is a Raleigh-based Transformation Coach who shows overwhelmed women of color how to sell their unique expertise and simplify their content marketing strategy. Vee shared her story with scarcity and they discussed money mindset, tips for monetizing, abundance, and more. Listen to get the details.
Follow us on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois
Guest Details:
Vee Kelly's Podcast: Listen on Spotify
Vee Kelly's Instagram: Follow and Engage

21. The power of goal setting with Sasha-Gay Ashley
In this episode, Merlinda chats about goal setting and what it actually means to set realistic goals with Sasha-Gay Ashley. Many people set goals that sound "nice to accomplish" but are often not clearly stated. Today, you will learn how to set goals and identify the reason behind them. Let's end the year with clearly defined goals to ensure that you progress instead of regress in 2022.
Follow on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast| The Host: @merlindafrancois
Guest Speaker Details:
Sasha-Gay Ashley, Goal Setting Coach
Founder of The Goal Strategist
Sasha's Instagram: @goalstrategist.co
Visit Sasha's website here.
PS: Join my 2-day workshop on Procrastination and Time Management
Date: January 8th and 9th 2022
Time: 4pm - 6pm AST
In two days you will learn how to reduce your procrastination, develop better habits to help you manage your time, and how to juggle the demands of life and business.

20. Childhood trauma and unhealthy attachments with Shervana Francis
Trauma-informed coach, Shervana Francis shares why we carry so many unhealthy attachments as women. She indicated that trauma bonds are usually formed as a result of our trauma from childhood and encourages women to embark on their healing journey. Shervana also touched on money trauma, self-worth, broken relationships, and co-dependency in relationships.
Listen to the full episode to learn more.
Follow us on Instagram: The Host: @merlindafrancois | The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast
Guest Details:
Shervana Francis Instagram: @iamshervana
Thank you for listening and sharing.

19. Dealing with debt shame: A story about paying off my student loan
In today's episode, Merlinda shares a story on dealing with debt shame as women of color and how it permeates our lives. She highlighted the challenges people face and encourages you to start talking about money management, debt, and living within your means. She discusses some of the reasons why people struggle with debt and shares her own story about paying off her dreadful student loan. This episode will help you to think about your lifestyle habits and make adjustments to reduce debt. Merlinda said "people are shy to discuss money" but, people should make money talking the new thing"
Follow on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast |The Host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend.

18. From $85,000 in debt to living abundantly with Valery Nunez
Merlinda engages Money Mindset Coach, Valery Nunez to share some core lessons she learned on her debt reduction journey. Valery explains why living above your means can have detrimental effects on your livelihood and the impact of generational guilt. She also shared her story about paying off $35,000 in debt by changing her money mindset. Listen to learn more.
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The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast
The Host: @merlindafrancois
Valerie's Details:
Valery Nunez is a first-generation millennial who's a Money Mindset Coach. She graduated with her Ba in Psychology and MA in education and with over $85,000 of debt. After struggling to make ends meet while having her first job she became inspired to educate herself about finances. She created a step-by-step plan to take control of her money and simultaneously help others achieve financial peace. She was able to pay off over $35,000 of debt in 2.5 years, and saved over $19,000, and has since guided many other women to financial freedom.
Her passion is guiding Women of Color (WOC) through the process of letting go of generational guilt and mindset trauma so that they can gain control of their money.
Valerie Links:
Instagram: @holisticallymoneysavvy
Website: https://holisticallymoneysavvy.com

17. How hormonal imbalance impact our lives with Natalie Melchiorre
Merlinda and Natalie discuss the importance of understanding our hormonal health as women and how it impacts our lives. Many women who suffer from PMS say it usually disrupts their natural routines because they do not know how to manage it. Natalie speaks about the negative impacts of hormonal birth control and the lack of awareness about it in mainstream medicine. Listen to the full episode to learn more.
Follow on Instagram:
The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois
Guest Speaker Details:
Natalie Melchoirre
Natalie Melchiorre is a Women’s Hormonal Health Coach and founder of the Tuned In Method, where she helps women have easier menstrual cycles, practice natural birth control methods, flow with their cyclical hormonal pattern, and connect with their inner wisdom. Her mission is to empower and liberate women to live in tune with their bodies. Natalie can be found on Instagram @nataliemelchiorre.
Books recommended in this episode:
- Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
- WomanCode by Alisa Vitti
- Period Repair Manual by Dr. Lara Briden
- Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten
Thanks for listening!
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

16. Tapping into your feminine and masculine energy with Kristel Browne
Merlinda converses with Feminine Embodiment Coach, Kristel Browne about the use of our feminine and masculine energies. Kristel has helped women find ways to live more consciously and consistently in their bodies. She believes that we live in a very hyper-masculine world so if we can find a balance/harmony within the masculine and feminine energy then we can live a life of ease and flow. Learn more by listening to the episode.
Follow on Instagram:
The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois
Guest Speaker Details:
Kristel Browne
Instagram: @kristelbrownecoaching
Share this episode with a friend, family, and/or colleague.

15. Multi-Hyphenate Entrepreneurship: Redefining work with Melanie Christina
Merlinda quizzes Melanie Christina about integrating multiple passions whilst working in a 9-5. Melanie shares how she project manages and how you can incorporate your skills to help grow your online business. Growing a side-hustle is hard but it is not out of your reach. She highlighted the importance of systems and being able to manage your time.
Follow on Instagram: The Podcast | The Host:
Guest Expert: Melanie Christina:
Follow on Instagram
Visite her website: Work Redefined Consulting

14. High-Performance Habits with Michael Tabirade
Welcome to season two with our new theme: Stepping Into Your Higher Self
Our first episode for this season is a guest interview.
In this episode, Merlinda shares how you can achieve more by implementing better habits with High-Performance Coach, Michael Tabirade. Michael discusses how our daily habits can influence our success and he provides practical tips to start making changes.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: The show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The host: @merlindafrancois
Contact: livelihoodmatters@gmail.com
Guest Speaker Information:
Michale Tabirade; High-Performance Coach
Instagram: @michaeltabirade
Website: https://michaeltabirade.com/
Thank you for listening! Share with a friend or family! We appreciate you.

13. Stop downplaying yourself
Can you believe this is the final episode of season 1?
In today's episode, I am sharing why you should stop downplaying your abilities and step into a higher version of yourself. We tend to lack the confidence to do things based on past experiences. What if you could change all this? Imagine what your life would be like when you start acting like the leader you were meant to be. I am encouraging you to pay attention to the things that trigger fear and self-doubt. How can you reduce them? It is my hope that this episode will serve as a reminder that you are so credible. Start believing it. Happy listening.
{1:1 COACHING}
For guidance on how to monetize your skills and grow your business, contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please leave a review!

12. 33 Lessons Learnt
In today's, episode, I will be sharing some lessons I learned thus far in my 30s. These are a combination of life experiences, business, family and just inner work. I'd like to say it's 33-list that every Millennial should listen to. These were some of the biggest takeaways I found. They were created for the person who is being too hard on themselves, for the single mother, for the socially awkward, for the lonely nights, for the unhappy employee, for a depressed friend, and for the woman who feels like she is not loved. I truly hope it brings you some comfort as you listen. Feel free to reach out to let me know which one you resonated with the most.
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please leave a review!

11. Learning to accept where you are.
Sometimes, when things aren’t going exactly as we plan we get discouraged, throw ourselves a pity party, and start playing the victim. In today's episode, Merlinda shares what it means to accept where you are as you work on improving your situation. Many of us go through life hoping to avoid hardships and discomfort but these very same situations may be intended to teach us a lesson.
Listen and let us know which parts resonated with you.
_________________________
{1:1 COACHING}
For guidance on how to monetize your skills and grow your business, contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please leave a review!

10. I don't have enough time is just a thought
Let's talk about not having enough time. One thing is certain. If you do not believe something is possible for you it’s not. Thus, if you keep thinking that you do not have time - that’s what you’re gonna get - less time
Time management is such a popular topic and there is so much talk about it. However, it's not as easy as it sounds. It requires mind management and discipline. In today's episode, I shared why you should stop saying "I don't have enough time" and what habits you can adopt to get more done. It's simple but also challenging.
Additional resources:
Free Guide: Learn how to reduce procrastination Here
Brain Vs Main Here
Book by James Clear - Atomic Habits Here
------------------------------------------
{1:1 COACHING}
For guidance on how to monetize your skills and grow your business, contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please leave a review!

09. Employee thinking to entrepreneurial thinking
In this episode, I engrossed in the intricacies of employee mindset and what it takes to transition into a new mode of thinking like an entrepreneur. This is not a simple shift, it takes emotional and spiritual strength to truly step out of a system where everything is already laid out for you to make independent decisions and be responsible for your own success and/or failure.
Additional resource on employee mindset vs entrepreneurial mindset: click here.
{1:1 COACHING}
If you want more support contact the host at hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments soon so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/merlinda-francois/message

08. Money mindset & changing your money story
I want to help you change how you view money. Everyone has a money story. They hold thoughts about money and what it means to them. In today's episode, I discuss your money mindset and how you can change your beliefs about money. Money is energy so if you operate with a negative thought pattern about money - you can block the money that flows into your life.
{1:1 COACHING}
If you want coaching support to learn more about your money mindset, click the link below to book a complimentary call: https://merlindafrancoisacuityscheduling.as.me/clarity
You can also contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois

07. Steps to create a second stream of income
If you’re struggling to find clarity to identify, package & sell yourself, listen to this episode. It's never about your credibility or lack thereof, it's your mindset, drive, and strategies. Why take the time to acquire knowledge & skills to sit and do nothing with it? This podcast will help you to come up with an offer that potential clients deserve.
In today's episode, Merlinda shares some action steps you can take to help get you off the ground to start and/or grow a side-hustle. They are explained in ways that are fun and easy to digest.
If you want coaching support to create another stream of income, click the link below to book a complimentary call: https://merlindafrancoisacuityscheduling.as.me/clarity
{1:1 COACHING}
For guidance on how to monetize your skills and grow your business, contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to overcome scarcity thinking, clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a service. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments for episodes 8 - 13 so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois

06. We can't live our best lives on one source of income
In today's episode, Merlinda shares why it is not safe to depend on one source of income. She highlighted two reasons and further explained why most people fall into the trap of wanting a "safer income."
You think one source of income is safe but that’s not safe anymore because the cost of living is increasing.
{1:1 SUPPORT}
For guidance on how to monetize your skills and grow your side-hustle, contact the host hello@merlindafrancois.com or livelihoodmatters@gmail.com. Through 1:1 coaching, she can help you to clarify your message and identify what knowledge & skills can be packaged into a business. Currently, there are two (2) spaces available for the June 2021 cohort. Make the decision to change your money story today.
{ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS}
We are opening up sponsor segments for episodes 8 - 13 so this is your chance to advertise your business and event on the podcast. We release a new episode every Wednesday. To find out more, email livelihoodmatters@gmail.com to get a copy of the rate sheet. (note that both product-based and service-based businesses will be advertised.)
Follow Livelihood Matters Podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelihoodmattterspodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/livelihoodmatterspodcast
Get in touch with the host: @merlindafrancois
If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot and tag us on Instagram @livelihoodmatterspodcast stating your favorite parts.

05. Areas to master during the early stages of your online business
In this episode, Merlinda shares some reasons why entrepreneurs should get comfortable with failing. She also lists and explains seven (7) core areas to master during the early stages of your business and why you should not try to skip the baby steps.

04. Having a degree does not guarantee success
Episode 4 is a topic that's very close to Merlinda's heart. In today's episode, she shared some common misconceptions regarding why individuals should pursue life-long learning and not only aim for a degree. She discussed the common stereotypes related to formal education and the challenges that professionals are being faced with in trying to improve their quality of life.

03. Why now is the best time to start an online business
We have seen a sudden shift in the world of work and more companies have had to transition to virtual workplaces. In this episode, I'm sharing some reasons why you should consider an online business model and what to do to prepare.

02. From scarcity to abundance
