The Soul Proprietor

Partnerships sound amazing!

Another brain.

Shared responsibility.

Someone else to help shoulder the weight of building something hard.

But what happens when real life tests the agreement you signed on a good day?

In this episode, Curt and Melody talk honestly about their own business partnership experiences and what they’ve learned.

This isn’t a how-to episode. Although there is advice, there’s no checklist that guarantees success. It’s a conversation about what partnerships actually feel like from the inside.

The good, the awkward...

What happens when two “sparkly-brained” entrepreneurs sit down to explore what it really means to be a business misfit? In this Special Christmaas episode, Curt and Melody revisit their first-ever podcast conversation, diving into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, vision, and vulnerability.

You’ll hear their candid takes on fighting imposter syndrome, the magic (and madness!) of visionary leadership, and why emotional intelligence is as vital as your bottom line. They swap stories about the joys and messiness of building a business your own way, how to harness big ideas without overwhelming your team, and what it takes...

Have you ever wondered how Melody and Curt met and started this podcast? Well, this is your chance to know how everything started! In this special episode, we’re bringing back one of the episodes of Melody’s previous podcast, Business Misfits Podcast, where Curt was one of the guests of Melody. And this is their first-ever recording together!

This episode talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship, covering topics like imposter syndrome, emotional intelligence, business growth, and building authentic company culture.

Curt and Melody share honest insights about leadership, hiring visionary teams, implementing new habits, and...

This week on Soul Proprietor: Does integrity actually pay off in business?

Melody and Curt swap stories about reputations being tested, the messy reality of trying to do the right thing, and what it feels like when your best intentions completely miss the mark.

The conversation swings between frustrating and funny as they dissect the gap between our noble stories about operating with integrity and what actually happens when money’s on the line.

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve ever questioned whether being the “good guy” is worth the cost<...

Curt and Melody get real about how different communities have shaped their lives as entrepreneurs .. from women’s business meetups to sales conferences and even working with international teams. Melody talks about what it felt like to step into new circles and suddenly question where she really belonged, while Curt shares the surprise of joining a sales group he never thought would be “his” kind of space.

They trade stories about what it’s like to work with people in the Philippines, handle everyday challenges, and push through bigger setbacks along the way. The conversation naturally drifts into wha...

Certainty feels good.

It gives us the illusion of control.

But when we hold tight to being “right,” it can make us less open, less curious, and less willing to consider other people’s experiences. That gap can lead us to act in ways that don’t match the values we say we care about.

This week, Curt and Melody talk certainty, how religion can shape moral blind spots, when confidence supports leadership and when it gets in the way, and how to stay connected to people who believe differently while still holding your own...

This year? It’s been a lot.

Inflation, AI chaos, hiring struggles, tension in the air... and yet, here comes Thanksgiving, asking us to be grateful. So what does that even look like when your legs are cramping (figuratively or otherwise) and your business is running on fumes?

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Curt and Melody take a break from the business to reflect on what it actually means to lead with gratitude, not just when things are good, but when you’re tired, depleted, and trying to find meaning in the middle of it all...

Guess What!?

We Took The week off...

We'll be back next week with a very special Thanksgiving Episode.

This week Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards unpack the hidden cost of caring too much as a business owner. They explore how passion, the very thing that fuels success, can quietly turn into exhaustion and resentment when boundaries aren't in place.

Melody shares how taking a week off forced her to see where over-caring had crept in, while Curt reflects on the signs that caring has crossed the line into overextension. Together, they examine what it means to stay invested in your work without letting it consume you.

They discuss:

Curt and Melody explore the intricate relationship between being a visionary and a control freak in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the delicate balance needed to successfully bring ideas to life. They delve into the challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to realize their visions, often battling the impulse to micro-manage their teams while striving for innovative outcomes. The duo reflects on personal experiences and anecdotes, highlighting how their journeys have shaped their understanding of risk, creativity, and the nuances of leadership. They also touch on the importance of delegation, illustrating how a strong integrator can help visionaries maintain focus while allowing others...

Sometimes the hardest part of growth (and leadership) is letting go.

In this episode, Curt and Melody get honest about what it really takes to evolve your business without betraying your values. They unpack how control, care, and clarity can all coexist — and what happens when holding on too tight starts to suffocate the very growth you’ve been working for. This one’s about trust, boundaries, and the kind of maturity that doesn’t always feel good while it’s happening, but always leads somewhere truer.

They talk about:

This week Curt and Melody are naming the thing so many entrepreneurs quietly wrestle with: workaholism.

In a culture that glorifies the hustle, they ask, where’s the line between healthy drive and emotional avoidance?They swap stories of burnout, self-sabotage, and the tricky ways “freedom” can turn into just another excuse to stay busy.

Melody opens up about life after selling her first business (and why she still calls herself a recovering workaholic). Curt shares the year a product launch nearly broke him.

It’s a candid conversation about how busyness becomes a social...

Curt and Melody unpack the ethical questions around artificial intelligence in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast. They explore how AI can be both a powerful tool for creativity and productivity, and a challenge to authenticity and human connection. With humor and honesty, they share personal stories about using AI, touching on fears of job loss, whether it will inspire or destroy creativity, and the risks of over-reliance.

Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards ask a tough question in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast: is it God guiding decisions, or is it us? They dig into faith vs personal accountability, sharing real-life stories that challenge traditional beliefs. The conversation explores how to tell the difference between divine inspiration and personal ambition, and why humility and responsibility matter when navigating both faith and business.

With honesty and humor, they admit the tension of faith and skepticism in their own lives. The episode highlights that faith isn’t a simple answer; it’s an ongoing process of g...

Curt and Melody talk about how to sell without losing your integrity in this episode of The Soul Proprietor Podcast.

They share the common struggle many entrepreneurs face-wanting to help people but fearing sales will make them seem pushy or fake. Melody reflects on how she leans on referrals and avoids traditional sales, while Curt describes how selling services sometimes left him feeling like a fraud.

Together, they explore how sales can shift from a transaction to a relationship. They stress the importance of believing in what you offer, building trust, and staying aligned with...

In this episode, Curt opens up to Melody Edwards in a candid discussion about his journey through faith, spirituality, and their profound impact on his entrepreneurial life.

Curt opens up about his upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, how it shaped his values and beliefs, and how his ongoing crisis of faith has led him to re-evaluate some of these principles.

He shares anecdotes about the misconceptions surrounding his faith, while also addressing deeper, often uncomfortable truths about the doctrines he grew up with. As they delve into the nuances of...

In this episode, Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards tackle a phrase that strikes a nerve for many entrepreneurs: “It’s just business.”

What does it really mean when people say this? Is it a harmless way to explain tough decisions, or just a convenient excuse to avoid responsibility for how business impacts real people?

Curt and Melody dive into their personal experiences, sharing stories about layoffs, difficult choices, and the challenge of separating emotion from entrepreneurship.

Along the way, they explore whether you can, or even should, detach your personal values from your busine...

Melody doesn't know if she believes in God, But she know's she's going to hell for even thinking it.

In this episode, she opens up about growing up in a strict evangelical world and how that upbringing planted both deep convictions and deep doubts. She and Curt explore the tension of searching for truth while still carrying the values ingrained from childhood.

They also dig into how political events can shake long-held beliefs, creating moments of crisis that force a re examination of faith.

Melody shares candid reflections on identity, doubt, and the...

In this bonus clip, Curt and Melody dive into the heart of their podcast journey, sharing their motivation for creating a space where entrepreneurs can explore the deeper aspects of their lives and businesses. They emphasize the importance of understanding the internal drivers behind their entrepreneurial spirit, recognizing that these insights empower them to project their values into the world.

Their discussions transcend typical business talk, delving into spirituality, ethics, and personal beliefs that shape their unique approaches. Both share a passion for meaningful conversations that challenge conventional business norms while fostering curiosity and vulnerability.

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Welcome to the Soul Proprietor Podcast, Launching September 24th.

Hosted by Curt Kempton and Melody Edwards.

Episodes come out every Wednesday, wherever you listen to your podcasts.