As each day goes by, we are all living in a world that gets weirder, more confusing, and infinitely more stressful. And, boundaries during this time are much more than staying six feet apart. As our new reality sets in, we all need to begin to

Why is Karen Yelling at Me While I Buy My Chicken Nuggets?

Apr 14th, 2020 42m 17s

In the second quarantine induced episode, Dez and Tammy look at why we’re all reacting the way we are and how to manage those reactions so you can maybe get out of this situation with your relationships and professional obligations semi-intact.

Well That Escalated Quickly...

Mar 26th, 2020 35m 48s

Back from an unexpected hiatus for an unexpected episode, Dez and Tammy talk about coping skills to navigate some of the most unexpected circumstances ever. For so many who work as entrepreneurs or in small businesses, times feel uncertain and

Unexpected Outcomes and What To Do Next

Jan 2nd, 2020 51m 55s

This episode is for anyone who has left a meeting, ended a project, or been in a situation where you felt like it couldn’t have gone worse. After all, sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and sometimes they go worse than you could even

Passion Projects and Public Speaking: When You Care So Much It’s Scary

Dec 17th, 2019 31m 9s

Whether you have a corporate gig, are an entrepreneur, or some combination of the two, there will come a time when a project comes up that you care deeply about; and for as exciting as that is, it can also feel too big and terrifying. This week

Surprises, Life Changes, and Embracing It All

Dec 10th, 2019 46m 20s

This week, Dez and Tammy welcome a special surprise guest, and Dez drops a surprise on everyone about a very big life change happening and you won’t believe their reactions. In this episode we’re covering how to know when you’re ready to make a

Managing Your Emotions when it’s Maybe a Not-So-Happy Holiday

Nov 27th, 2019 27m 19s

The holidays can be a time of fun and joy but for so many there’s a thousand added pressures and tasks. And if you're not so thrilled about it all, you're not alone. In this special holiday inspired episode, Dez and Tammy talk about how to mana

Season 3: What Happens when a Marketer and a Psychologist Walk into a Bar?

Nov 22nd, 2019 40m 41s

In this special season opener episode, Dez and Tammy set the tone for the new season. This episode the two discuss transitions in life, your brand, work, and how to navigate being multi passionate and driven while not getting burnt out. We’re a

Fear—The Scariest Word in the English Language

Nov 13th, 2019 19m 53s

In this episode, Dez talks about fear and not only how it can derail your progress but also the lessons that can be learned by listening to the fear. You’ll learn how to use fear as a guiding light as you progress in growing your brand and busi

Lesson Learned: Learning from Mistakes and Not Letting Them Eat Your Goals

Oct 29th, 2019 20m 27s

In this interim episode, Dez dives into three key mistakes the Sugar and Spikes team made over the last two seasons and discusses in detail what to watch out for so you don’t let mistakes keep you from rallying and how to process the lessons le

Content Strategy: Why It Matters for You (Yes, You!) and How to Create Content in a Not Just Consistent, but Truly Authentic Way.

Oct 22nd, 2019 17m 42s

In this special episode of Sugar and Spikes, Dez, our resident serial content creator, talks about why content still reigns as a way to build your personal and professional brand, the pros and cons of a couple content strategies, and how to do

What I wish I knew from the start: The top 5 lessons learned after producing over 100 podcast episodes over the course of two years.

Oct 16th, 2019 21m 41s

This week kicks off a special Sugar and Spikes solo series where we’re kicking it old school—it’s just Dez and a mic! Dez sits down and talks about the 5 key lessons she’s learned over the course of the last couple years while making this podca

Season 2 FINALE: Tackling Procrastination and Reflecting on Creating.

Oct 8th, 2019 40m 16s

Over 100 episodes and two years later, Dez and Tammy chat about the fact that procrastination around creating is something most people will deal with while they’re making something, and how to handle it to keep the momentum going so you can cre

Got Goals? Start Again. And Again. And Again.

Oct 1st, 2019 26m 37s

This is THE episode to listen to if you’re an entrepreneur or have a side hustle and feel like you’re in a constant cycle of excitement and and discouragement while trying achiever goals and ambitions. Dez and Tammy not only chat about why it f

Talk Nerdy to Me: Emotional Intelligence Redux—Your Secret Weapon to Showing Up

Sep 25th, 2019 31m 20s

In this episode, Dez and Tammy revisit the topic of emotional intelligence and how that connects to professional growth over time, using emotional intelligence in the multitude of roles you take on day in and day out, and why emotional intellig

Impulse or Inspiration? Why It Matters and What To Do About It.

Sep 19th, 2019 48m 10s

In this episode Dez and Tammy talk about how to shift the cycle of distracting and impulsive decision making to use your inspiration from a place of insightfulness so you can be intentional about the choices you’re making and the direction you’

Talk Nerdy to Me pt. 2: Emotional Intelligence, Employment, and Entrepreneurial Acumen, How Is It All Connected?

Sep 10th, 2019 39m 22s

In the second installment of Talk Nerdy To Me, Dez and Tammy give listeners an easy to understand overview of emotional intelligence, what it is, what it isn’t and why having it is key to professional development as you climb the corporate ladd

There’s a Change Coming; Are You Ready?

Sep 5th, 2019 44m 9s

Sometimes the most dangerous situation to be in is when you feel like you’re managing it all and not in tune with or looking forward to possible changes in situations or how you’re handling it all. Developing the self-awareness to manage stress

Talk Nerdy to Me: Attachment Theory in Business and How it Can Help You Thrive

Aug 29th, 2019 37m 7s

In this episode, Dez and Tammy talk about the different types of attachment! Secure, Ambivalent, Avoidant, Disordered. What do they mean? How does it apply to business, communication, and how you get things done? You'll have to listen and find

Podcasting Promotion and Design

Aug 22nd, 2019 44m 44s

As a follow up from Podcasting Basics, the Sugar and Spikes team is taking a moment to give you truly actionable tips, tricks, and insights about podcast art basics. How do you start to design one, what are important things to consider, what ot

Changing Course: Navigating the Need to Change Careers or Start Something New (with Special Guest Noelle Johnson from My Interview Buddy)!

Aug 14th, 2019 33m 24s

This episode is for anyone who wants to make a change but feels like they’re too stuck in their current career, industry, or educational path to make the leap. You can change your mind about your path at any time, and our special guest this wee

Get Ready to Rise!

Aug 8th, 2019 48m 31s

This week, Dez and Tammy talk about the different ways you can level up personally and professionally, how to realize you are leveling up even when it doesn’t feel that way, setting and embracing new standards, and holding yourself accountable

Experimentation is essential to grow is business, life, and style. And doesn’t have to be scary.

Aug 1st, 2019 35m 51s

Everyone says that to grow you have to get out of your comfort zone. That’s true. But sometimes, you can get out of one comfort zone while relying on another. Like everything else, growth isn’t black and white or all or nothing. This week, Dez

Intro to Podcasting with Professor Dez! A Behind-the-Scenes Look into How Sugar + Spikes Gets Made and How Starting Your Own May Be Easier than You Think!

Jul 25th, 2019 40m 15s

This week, Tammy couldn't be here so Dez asked Sugar + Spikes' graphic designer and podcast editor Dean to come on and talk a little shop. Topics include starting from scratch, podcasting styles, editing tools, and growing your content. This wi

Boundaries, mentorship, and what you can learn about these things from simply tying your shoes. A special episode for anyone ready to really do the work.

Jul 19th, 2019 46m 52s

This week, Dez and Tammy discuss: Boundaries 2.0—not for the faint of heart. What the next level of boundaries looks like, why it’s not what you think, and how to let your personal and professional boundaries grow so you can take navigated your