Episode 57 – This Shit Works: Why Networking Feels Icky and How to Fix It with Julie Brown

Have you ever wondered why networking feels so… icky and yet so necessary?
In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with keynote speaker, networking renegade, and author of This Sh!t Works, Julie Brown, to blow up everything you think you know about networking.

Together, they dive into why traditional networking makes people cringe, how human-centric connection actually creates real opportunities, and why being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate career advantage. Julie shares her unexpected path from the construction industry to becoming a sought-after speaker, along with how a challenging childhood shaped her grit, resilience, and no-BS approach to success.

Expect laughs, real talk, and plenty of mic-drop moments, plus practical advice you can actually use. If you’re ready to ditch the awkward small talk and build relationships that actually move the needle, this episode proves one thing: authentic connection isn’t just powerful… it works. 

Listen to the episode here

Watch the episode here

Meet Julie Brown

Julie Brown isn’t your typical keynote speaker. She’s a transformational leader who redefines how people perceive and engage in networking. Authored the popular book “This Shit Works,” Julie emphasizes that genuine connections are the cornerstone of success.

The Journey: From Construction to Keynote

Julie’s journey is as inspiring as her insights. With roots in the male-dominated construction industry, where only 10.6% of employees are female, she carved a niche for herself by focusing on relationships rather than solely on technical knowledge. By establishing heartfelt connections, Julie transitioned from being a successful business developer to launching her own consultancy, ultimately leading her to become a full-time speaker.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

  1. Human-Centric Networking: Julie and Jenn stress the importance of connecting beyond professional credentials. Networking should stem from genuinely understanding and liking individuals for who they are, not just their job titles. It’s about building relationships before business.
  1. The Power of Being Yourself: Julie encourages embracing your authentic self. Whether it’s including personal stories or humorous taglines, being genuine can spark curiosity and deeper connections.
  1. Networking is About Giving: Instead of approaching networking with a “What’s in it for me?” mindset, consider what you can offer to others. This approach nurtures genuine relationships and opens doors for unexpected opportunities.

Tips to Make Networking Less Icky, More Human

Find Common Ground: Focus on finding similarities with those you meet, like interests or shared experiences, which can serve as the foundation for a stronger relationship.

Long-Term Perspective: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Relationships grow over repeated interactions. Aim for meaningful conversations that can unfold naturally over time.

Utilize Your Existing Network: Leverage the power of the network you already have. Ask your current connections for introductions to expand your reach.

Participate Actively in Events: Engage genuinely in events and discussions. This doesn’t just refer to physical events but includes being active on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can share insights and connect thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts

The episode concluded with crucial reminders: Send that handwritten card, host that cocktail party, and step out into the world. People need people, and there is immense power and opportunity in connecting authentically. Networking doesn’t have to be removed from humanity—it can be inspired by it.

Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned entrepreneur, embrace these learnings from Julie Brown and Jenn Cassetta to elevate your networking experiences. Remember, networking isn’t merely about who you meet but how deeply you connect with them.

Important Links

About Julie Brown

Julie Brown is a sought-after speaker, networking expert, and business strategist who brings both strategy and sparkle to every room she enters. Author of This Sh!t Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures, and More Success and host of the This Sh!t Works podcast, Julie teaches women how to cultivate genuine connections, build powerful networks, and advocate for themselves unapologetically. Her mix of laugh-out-loud storytelling and deeply actionable advice stems from over 25 years in the AEC industry—where she’s helped thousands of women grow their influence, impact, and confidence.

Learn more about Julie Brown at https://juliebrownbd.com/

Episode 56 – The New Rules of Women’s Health with Meghan Rabbit – What Every Woman Needs to Know

What if everything you thought you knew about women’s health was outdated or incomplete?

In this episode of The Art of Badassery, Jenn Cassetta sits down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbit to unpack the real, often-ignored truths behind women’s health at every age. Drawing from her groundbreaking book, The New Rules of Women’s Health, Meghan breaks down what women actually need to know about breast cancer, menopause, heart disease, and more without fear-mongering or fluff.

Meghan also shares her own powerful health journey and why self-advocacy isn’t optional—it’s essential. Together, Jenn and Meghan explore the role of intuition, why movement matters more than perfection, and how being informed can be one of the most empowering acts of resistance in a system that often overlooks women.

Listen to the episode here

Watch the episode here

In the latest episode of The Art of Badassery Podcast, Jenn Cassetta welcomes a remarkable guest, Meghan Rabbit, an award-winning journalist and author, to discuss her new book, “The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide To Thriving at Every Age.” Meghan Rabbit shares her inspiring journey through writing the book, her personal health challenges, and insights into women’s health and wellness.

Rediscovering Women’s Health

Meghan Rabbit’s book aims to redefine women’s health by covering a wide range of topics beyond traditional views of “bikini medicine,” which often limited itself to focusing on women’s breast and gynecological health. Meghan emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole picture, including how women’s hearts, brains, and hormonal transitions differ from men’s bodies. Her goal is to equip women with the knowledge and language they need to advocate for their health effectively.

Personal Health Journey

Meghan Rabbit shares a personal story of how she ignored her own health symptoms for much of her life. Like many women, she brushed off her heavy periods in her late thirties as a natural part of aging, only to discover she had a uterus full of fibroids, which led her to undergo a hysterectomy. Meghan’s experience emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for oneself, even when facing dismissals from healthcare professionals.

The Power of Intuition and Information

An important message from this episode is the power of intuition and education in health advocacy. Meghan encourages women to become journalists for their own health by asking questions, writing down symptoms, and never hesitating to seek a second opinion. She stresses the importance of understanding one’s health condition to make informed decisions.

Takeaways from This Episode

  1. Empowerment Through Education: Meghan Rabbit’s book stresses the need for women to be informed about their health beyond the commonly addressed areas. Knowing more about different health facets allows women to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves effectively.
  2. Listen to Your Body: Ignoring seemingly minor symptoms can lead to more significant health issues. Meghan’s story of eventual diagnosis points out the importance of paying attention to the signs your body is sending and advocating for your health needs.
  3. Intuition as a Guide: Intuition plays a crucial role in making health-related decisions. Trusting your gut feelings and combining them with factual information can lead to better health outcomes.

Conclusion

The episode with Meghan Rabbit reminds us of the critical importance of a holistic approach to women’s health, the power of intuition, and the value of being informed. By sharing her personal experiences and wisdom, Meghan encourages women to become empowered health advocates for themselves, contributing to a broader movement of education and empowerment for women everywhere. For those interested in diving deeper, her book, “The New Rules of Women’s Health,” is a comprehensive guide designed to support and empower women at every life stage.

Important Links

About Meghan Rabbit

Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist and author of The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She specializes in writing about women’s health and wellness, and her work has appeared in many national publications, including Women’s Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, and more. She’s known for translating complex medical and scientific topics into clear, actionable information—and for telling stories that help readers better understand their bodies, their health, and themselves.

Learn more about Meghan at https://newrulesofwomenshealth.com/.