In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Shannon McNamara—the sharp and witty voice behind FluentlyForward, the podcast that unapologetically dissects pop culture, celebrity conspiracies, and the sociological underbelly of fame. But today, Shannon’s not here to talk blind items—she’s here to talk breakups.

Together, Courtney and Shannon dive into the raw, messy, and often hilarious realities of heartbreak. They kick things off by calling out the most overused breakup clichés, then veer into refreshingly unconventional advice for actually moving on. From swapping out your phone wallpaper and rearranging your bedroom with breakup-focused feng shui, to turning ChatGPT into a personal healing coach and consulting psychics for clarity—you’ll hear it all.

Shannon opens up about her own toolkit for heartbreak: no-contact rules, massages for oxytocin, enrolling in self-help programs, and even the controversial—but honest—use of low-dose Xanax for sleep. The duo even tackles the fine art of gaslighting yourself with positive affirmations, because sometimes fake-it-til-you-make-it does work.

With equal parts humor, honesty, and a dose of the woo-woo, this episode is packed with unconventional strategies and emotional insight for anyone navigating the post-breakup fog. Whether you're newly single or still decoding texts from your ex, Courtney and Shannon offer a refreshing, nonjudgmental take on what healing actually looks like.

And if you’re not already a fan of FluentlyForward, you’re in for a treat—Shannon brings the same sharp perspective and pop-culture savvy that’s made her show a must-listen for anyone who loves decoding fame, gossip, and the strange little corners of celebrity culture.

🔗 Follow Shannon McNamara:
Instagram | Substack

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Chris—aka The Conversion Alchemist—a SaaS message-market fit specialist and conversion copywriter with a unique background in engineering and UX. After 10 years in industrial automation, Chris pivoted into digital marketing, serving as UX lead at Conversion Crimes and working with brands as a CRO expert since 2016.

They dive into why starting a newsletter now (not later) is one of the most powerful things you can do for your brand—and exactly how to get people to actually sign up. Chris shares his favorite “cheat codes” for writing high-converting copy, including the importance of deep market research, decoding how your ideal client makes decisions, and clarifying your positioning and messaging strategy.

Courtney and Chris also unpack how to use AI without sounding robotic—exploring practical ways to integrate tools like Google Gemini, Claude, Typing Mind, and Team GPT to supercharge your writing process without losing your voice.

They also talk about making your first offer irresistible, and how Chris uses personalized Loom video audits to build trust and drive conversions right out of the gate.

This episode is full of grounded, actionable insight for creatives, founders, and marketers ready to sharpen their message, grow their list, and turn their content into conversions.

Connect with Chris: 🔗 Twitter (X) 📸 Instagram 🎥 YouTube 💼 LinkedIn

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney is joined by Alexandria Roemer, founder of the Fully Focused retreat and a powerhouse in building community through creativity, authenticity, and bold self-expression. Alexandria shares her journey of moving to Austin without a network and how she turned a few loose connections into a thriving community by saying yes, reaching out, and showing up.

They talk about the power of intentional networking, how to build real connections in new cities, and why surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything. Alexandria breaks down her approach to immersive coworking retreats—designed to combine productivity with meaningful connection—and how they’ve become a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and creative breakthroughs.

The conversation also explores how AI tools can support self-development, the role of subconscious reprogramming in personal growth, and what it really means to choose discomfort as a path to transformation. Alexandria opens up about her decision to remove her breast implants, the deeper identity work that came with it, and how regulating the nervous system can unlock everything from visibility online to peace in daily life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building a personal brand, or craving more purpose in how they work and connect.

Follow Alexandria on Instagram at @alexandria.roemer and learn more about Fully Focused retreats at @fullyfocused.co.

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with attorney Morgan Ipanema to break down the legal barriers often faced by entrepreneurs—especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold. Morgan is the founder of Ipanema Law Group, a modern law firm that works with entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners to protect their brands and grow their businesses. She focuses on intellectual property, business formation, and contracts—helping clients feel confident and clear as they build.

As a new mom and business owner herself, Morgan brings a grounded, approachable vibe to legal work and is passionate about making the law feel practical, supportive, and aligned with her clients’ goals.

The conversation covers essential legal ‘cheat codes’ for business owners, including the importance of trademarks, securing your brand early, maintaining clean business operations, and the benefits of fractional legal counsel. Morgan also shares insights from her career journey, emphasizing the need for written agreements and proper legal structures to protect and scale businesses. This episode is packed with practical advice and step-by-step guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex legal landscape efficiently and affordably.

Connect with Morgan:

• Instagram: @morganipanema
  

• Law Firm IG: @ipanemalaw
  

• LinkedIn: Morgan Ipanema

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Thamina Stoll — an award-winning advocate for women’s economic advancement, angel investor, content creator, and founder of The Sheconomist, a media company helping high-achieving women unlock freedom of time and choice through financial and career self-advocacy.

By 28, Thamina had influenced over eight figures in revenue at LinkedIn and became the youngest member of the global leadership team at Women@LinkedIn. Now a Senior Client Solutions Manager advising a Fortune 30 company on corporate reputation and customer acquisition, she brings her expertise in B2B marketing, sales strategy, and brand building into every conversation.

Courtney and Thamina explore what it means to build generational wealth, develop an abundance mindset, and strategically use corporate benefits and personal branding to your advantage. Thamina also shares her journey navigating chronic illness and premature fertility decline, and how it’s deepened her commitment to advocating for women’s health, career sustainability, and financial freedom.

Featured in Forbes, Nasdaq, and named one of Germany’s “100 Women of the Year” and the world’s #1 “Women Future Leader Role Model” in 2023, Thamina brings both personal insight and tactical brilliance to a conversation every ambitious woman should hear.

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson interviews Magdalena Mystik—a systems strategist turned modern mystic—who shares her transformative journey from a systems engineering background within a strict religious environment to a path that bridges science with ancient mysteries. Magdalena brings her expertise in engineering and biohacking into the realm of energy work, ritual, and spiritual transformation, offering grounded, actionable insights into how structure can support inner rewiring.

Together, they explore the power of integrating science and spirituality, the dismantling of limiting beliefs, and the role of awareness, intention, and repetition in creating lasting change. Magdalena sheds light on therapeutic modalities like EMDR, the use of scent in daily rituals and psychedelic therapy, and the importance of creating sensory-rich environments that support personal evolution.

As the founder of Rosa Mystika, Magdalena designs tools and experiences that make the mystical practical and the practical magical—helping people clear, align, and rewire from the inside out.

Follow Magdalena on Instagram @magdalenamystik for more on her work bridging modern science and ancient wisdom.

This episode is a powerful conversation about reclaiming inner authority, reprogramming belief systems, and embracing transformation through both ancient wisdom and modern frameworks.

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Whitney Woodcock—crypto investor, engineer-turned-educator, and founder of Queen of Millions, a global crypto education platform and community helping over 200+ women build exponential wealth and financial freedom through the decentralized future.

Whitney shares how she transitioned from her engineering career to becoming a self-made crypto success story—turning a $25K investment into over half a million dollars in just 9 months. Her story is one of radical self-belief, bold financial decisions, and the importance of betting on yourself. Today, she’s on a mission to help ambitious, intuitive women understand crypto patterns, build confidence in their investment strategy, and align their finances with their highest vision of wealth.

Courtney and Whitney break down the fundamentals of entering the crypto space—what to know before investing, how to read economic signals, and why timing matters more than you think. They unpack the power and potential of altcoins, the mindset shifts required to step into financial independence, and how women can lead in the future of decentralized finance.

This episode is a crash course in crypto clarity, financial empowerment, and learning how to think—and invest—for yourself. Whether you’re crypto-curious or ready to go all in, this conversation is packed with insight, real talk, and a roadmap for taking control of your wealth story.

Follow Whitney on Instagram: @whitney.magic.crypto Join the Queen of Millions community: queenofmillions.com/queenofmillions 🎁 Use code SLAY100 to get $100 off your membership

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Avni Barman—engineer, product leader, investor, and founder of Gen She, a media company and venture fund empowering over 500,000 Gen Z women across Instagram, TikTok, newsletters, podcasts, and a job board.

With over four years of experience in Big Tech as both an engineer and product manager, Avni shares her journey of building a high-impact platform and investing directly in the future of women in entrepreneurship, tech, venture, and media. Gen She writes $50–$100K checks into startups led by their own community, with a mission to help young women break into the top 1%.

Courtney and Avni dive into actionable “cheat codes” for career acceleration—how to document your work to negotiate raises, land internships that matter more than grades, send cold outreach that opens doors, promote yourself with intention, and build leverage in the job market. They also discuss the power of community, how to navigate chaotic startup environments, and creative ways to access high-value opportunities like conferences for free.

This conversation challenges outdated career advice and offers a modern, tactical roadmap for young professionals who want to make bold moves and own their path forward.

Avni Barman’s Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnibarman_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avnibarman_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avnibarman/

Gen She Newsletter: https://newsletter.generationshe.co/subscribe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gen.she/
Fund Website: https://www.generationshe.co/fund

Courtney Johnson Socials:

Insta: @courtlynnjohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj

Tiktok: @courtney..johnson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson

Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a

Work with Courtney:

Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club

Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand

Short Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc