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.
Episodes

Thursday May 29, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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. 🎓🍪

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
In this episode we're celebrating International women's day! Listen to us shining a spotlight on some incredible women making waves in the creative world. From artists to makers, business owners to boundary-breakers, we’re celebrating the talent, resilience, and pure magic that women bring to creative industries. ✨💪
Join us as we share stories, experiences, and some much-needed appreciation for the amazing women out there doing the damn thing! 💖

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by our first-ever guest (!!!), the incredible Sas from Sassy Makes, to chat all about the power of small biz friendships. We dive into how to find your people, why having a support network is everything, and whether working in a studio or at home is the ultimate vibe. If you’ve ever felt a little lonely in the small biz world, this one’s for you! 💖

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In this episode, we’re diving into our very first market experiences, sharing the highs and lows. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of selling at markets and our must-have items for a smooth day! Markets are thrilling, exhausting, and sometimes a little chaotic, if you’ve been thinking about taking your biz to a market, consider this your unofficial survival guide!

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Welcome to REALLY FUCKING TRYING! In this episode, We dive into how we became best friends, our chaotic small business journeys, and why we started this podcast in the first place. Expect plenty of laughs, some real talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and a reminder that no one really has it all figured out - we're just out here REALLY FUCKING TRYING.