The Dream Biz® Podcast | Anti-Hustle Business Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs

>Read the Transcript< In this episode, I’m joined by anti-hustle business coach and one of my favorite humans on the internet, Tracy Stanger. 🌿Tracy believes there’s very little in life or business you actually “have” to do—and that when you focus on the result you want (instead of the to-do list you think you should follow), a lot more freedom opens up. We talk about her philosophy of “shit you don’t have to do,” what it means to live like you’re retired now, and how she builds her business to fit inside the life she actually wants… not the other way around.We also dive into:Designing your dream days around your real capacityQuestioning the so-called “have-tos” in your business and finding gentler alternativesSelling in a way that feels like you (hello, Café Tracy 🥐)Navigating new seasons, parenting, and business with less stress and more intentionLetting yourself want more money without becoming a burnouty business villainTracy also shares her Future You Dream Day exercise so you can start imagining (and building) your own dream days right now.Hit play to rethink what you actually have to do—and what you’re finally ready to let go of. 🎧💛Connect with Tracy: Website: tracystanger.comInstagram: @tracy.stangerFreebies [including Coffeehouse Table, Simple Human Selling, & Future You Dream Day Exercise]: tracystanger.com/freebies

Today I’m sharing the part of my burnout story I don’t talk about often: the moment I realized strategy wasn’t going to save me, but creativity would.I take you behind the scenes of what it was like navigating panic attacks, fear-driven decision-making, and the pressure to “fix my business fast.” And then I share the surprising shift that changed everything: learning how to play again.We’ll talk about:✨ Why you can’t make aligned decisions from fear✨ How hustle culture disconnects you from your own creativity✨ What happens in your brain when you embrace creative play✨ Why “pointless,” imperfect fun is actually productive✨ How creative practices helped me heal, dream again, and rebuild a business that feels like meIf you’ve been stuck in pressure, perfectionism, or overthinking — this episode is your permission slip to color outside the lines, scribble just because, and make things simply for the joy of making them.Join the free community:Creative writing + art practices twice a month inside The Dream Biz Lounge → christijohnsoncreative.com/loungeMake your own Joy Menu:Create simple routines that bring ease, creativity, and nervous system regulation into your day → cjc.myflodesk.com/joyAsk me about The Dream Biz® Playground on Instagram:@christijohnsoncreative

Feeling low energy lately? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing how I use my Enough Business Plan—the simplest, most sustainable version of my business—to keep things running smoothly even on low-energy days. I’ll walk you through how I identify my “enough” tasks, structure my business around what actually matters, and create space for rest and reflection without guilt.✨ Tune in to hear:How I plan my year, quarter, month, and week with easeThe tasks that truly move the needle in my businessWhy doing less can actually make your business more successfulBecause your business should support your energy, not steal it. 💛Want to learn to create your enough business plan? Join me in The Dream Biz Lab!

f you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or disconnected from your business lately — this episode is for you. I'm sharing one of my favorite tools for burnout recovery and nervous system regulation: the Joy Menu. Inspired by my own healing journey, this playful and practical exercise helps you reconnect with creativity, calm, and joy in just a few minutes a day — no major reset or business overhaul required.You’ll learn how to create your own Joy Menu, filled with simple, energizing activities that help you move through stress, regulate your emotions, and reignite your spark — especially if you’re a neurodivergent or creative entrepreneur craving variety and ease.🎧 Tune in, grab a pen, and get ready to rediscover what actually makes you feel alive in your business.💛 Want the visuals, examples, and step-by-step guide from my Joy Menu workshop?👉 Download it free at cjc.myflodesk.com/joyTry Mindful Drawing

Creative coach Kamina James joins me to show you how to make business easier—without the hustle. We talk building one stable income stream, selling daily in 30 minutes, setting real boundaries (no nights/weekends), and designing a portfolio career that actually supports your life. Kamina shares mindset shifts for perfectionists, starting a business in your hardest season, and why only buyers’ opinions matter.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to simplify to one clear offer and get paidA gentle daily sales routine that worksBoundaries that prevent burnout (especially for ND brains)Using “fun and easy” as your strategy (zone of genius)Why a portfolio career is a financial strengthConnect with Kamina: @kaminajamesJoin Create & Get PaidIf this resonated, follow the show and share to your Stories—tag @christijohnsoncreative and @kaminajames so we can cheer you on. 💛Want help figuring out how to make business easier for you? Work with Me!