Really F*cking Trying

Really Fucking Trying is the podcast for anyone navigating the wild ride of small business life. Hosted by your new small biz besties, Jade Muat-Dodd and Ellie Francesca, we’re here to keep it real about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Join us as we dive into the creative hustle, sharing the wins, the fails, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches, we’re here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you’ve totally got this.

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Episodes

23 minutes ago

In this episode we’re joined by the brilliant Laura from Make A Daze to look back at one very chaotic time: the pandemic.
We’re talking pivots, panic, and figuring shit out on the fly. We’re unpacking how COVID turned our businesses upside down, or in some cases, even kick started them - and what we learned from it.
Whether you started a side hustle in lockdown, had to rethink everything overnight, or just love a good reinvention story - this one’s got you.

Thursday Jul 10, 2025

This week we’re joined by the amazing Olivia from The Alt Creative to chat all things work-life balance - or at least, trying to find it.
We’re diving into the messy, real-life reality of switching off, setting boundaries, making time for hobbies, and figuring out how to look after your brain and body while running a business. Whether you’re burnt out, buzzing, or somewhere in between - this one’s for you.

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

This week we’re diving into the chaotic world of selling online - with the lovely Racheal from Planchette Place joining us for a big ol’ chat about what it actually takes to run an online shop.
We’re talking writing listings without crying, the pain of postage prices and promo burnout.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025

In this episode we’re talking about how we make our own work. From dreaming up creative projects to bringing them into reality, we’re sharing our creative processes and how we actually do things.
Then! A lil surprise: we sprung a last-minute Q&A on each other 👀 So if you’ve ever wondered which one of us cries more (spoiler: it's Jade), or what our weirdest habits are - now’s your chance.
It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s a big ol’ hug to anyone out there trying to figure it all out as they go.

Thursday May 29, 2025

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of social media - from the awkward early days of oversharing to figuring out what actually works when you're running a small business.
We’re joined by the wonderful Laura from Sun and sky designs, who shares her insights on content strategy, growing an audience without losing your mind, and why you don’t need to be on every platform to make an impact.
Whether you love it, hate it, or just post and pray - this one’s for you.

Thursday May 15, 2025

In this episode, we’re joined by the fabulous Alabama Whirley (aka Katie) from Glorified Cabaret to chat all things branding, standing out, and building a business you actually love 💥
We’re diving into finding your vibe, figuring out your USP (even if you’ve never said those letters out loud before), and why branding is so much more than just a cute logo. Katie shares how she built Glorified Cabaret into a bold, brilliant brand that’s full of personality - and why being totally yourself is the real secret sauce 🌈✨
If you’ve ever felt lost in a sea of sameness or wondered what makes you special, this one’s for you!

Thursday May 01, 2025

Got big dreams but no idea where to start? Same.In this episode, we’re chatting all things goal setting - think bold visions, messy action, and figuring it out as we go. We’re joined by the brilliant Toni from TLC Illustration, who’s sharing her own journey of turning creative chaos into a thriving business (spoiler: it didn’t happen overnight)
We’re talking about the big, scary goals we’ve set for ourselves this year, what’s actually helping us move the needle, and how we’re keeping the pressure low and the vibes high.
So if you’re dreaming big but feeling wobbly, pop us in your ears - we’ve got pep talks, real talk, and a whole lot of love for anyone out there really fucking trying. 

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Ever launched a product backwards? Sent an email with the wrong name? Fallen flat on your face - literally or metaphorically? In this episode, we’re embracing the chaos and laughing through the mess. We’re sharing some of our own most ridiculous business blunders, AND hilarious “flop” stories from our lovely listeners. Because if you can’t laugh when it all goes wrong… what can you do?
Grab a cuppa and join us for a feel-good giggle fest - it’s the reminder we all need that nobody’s got it all together (and that’s kind of the best part).

Thursday Apr 03, 2025

In this episode we’re joined by the amazing Karina from Liverpool Leopard to get real about imposter syndrome - that annoying little voice that tells you you’re not good enough (even when you 100% are). We’re talking about why it shows up, how it messes with your head, and why you're probably doing way better than you think! Karina shares her own experiences with feeling like a fraud and the ways she's learnt to shut it down! 💖

Thursday Mar 20, 2025

In this episode, we’re joined by the amazing Kate from Kate’s Bakes to chat all about life experience vs. education. We’re asking the big questions - is a degree really essential, or have we learned more from just diving in and figuring it out as we go? We get into the highs and lows of winging it, the value of formal education, and why sometimes the best lessons come from making a mess. 🎓🍪

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