{"podcast":{"title":"Spark Good Podcast","slug":"spark-good-podcast-6446770","podcast_index_feed_id":6446770,"rss_url":"https://feeds.libsyn.com/477105/rss","website_url":"https://www.sparkgood.net/podcast","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/f/6/8/6/f68648e5c8f0b5f85f2e77a3093c12a1/Spark_Good_Podcast_Cover_Art_1400.png","author":"Stephanie Malon-Rufi","episode_count":52,"summary":"Discover how business can ignite positive change in the world on the Spark Good Podcast. Join us as we delve into strategies, stories, and insights that empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to 'do business' differently. Host Stephanie Malon-Rufi, MBA, brings 20+ years working within and as a consultant for social businesses from the start-up phase to scaling and experience as a holistic leadership coach. From innovative approaches to profit and purpose alignment to practical tips for creating a positive social impact, Spark Good Podcast offers inspiration and guidance. Plus learn how to nurture your own well-being, change traditional rules that might be holding you back, and thrive in your role as a social business owner. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about the intersection of business and social impact, the Spark Good Podcast has something for you. Join our community of changemakers as we inspire, inform, and empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world through your business.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-05T16:18:45.651651+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/spark-good-podcast-6446770"},"episode":{"title":"#50: Growing a Business Without Losing Yourself: A Conversation with Marlee James of Reviving Roots","slug":"50-growing-a-business-without-losing-yourself-a-conversation-with-marlee-james-of-reviving-roots","published_at":"2026-06-12T00:13:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/spark-good-podcast-6446770/50-growing-a-business-without-losing-yourself-a-conversation-with-marlee-james-of-reviving-roots","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/spark-good-podcast-6446770","url":"https://ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091.libsyn.com/50-growing-a-business-without-losing-yourself-a-conversation-with-marlee-james-of-reviving-roots","audio_url":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/Marlee_Interview_Audio_Only.mp3?dest-id=4051014","summary":"What happens when the business model you carefully designed doesn't work the way you expected? For many entrepreneurs, that moment can feel like failure. But often, it's actually an invitation to pay attention, adapt, and build something even stronger. In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Marlee James, founder of Reviving Roots, a holistic mental health and wellness organization centered on Black wellness in Minneapolis. Marlee shares her entrepreneurial journey—from launching a solo therapy practice to building a thriving community-centered organization that now serves clients through therapy, workshops, retreats, community events, and innovative mental health programs. Along the way, Marlee navigated a global pandemic, community trauma following the murder of George Floyd, multiple business pivots, major financial decisions, team leadership, marriage, homeownership, and raising two young children. Together, Stephanie and Marlee explore what it really looks like to build a business that aligns with both your mission and your life. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Reviving Roots evolved from a solo therapy practice into a holistic wellness organization The impact of COVID-19 and community trauma on business growth and mission Why listening to what is actually working is often more important than sticking to the original plan The financial wake-up call that led to a major business pivot How Marlee shifted from a membership model to revenue streams that better served both the community and the organization The importance of understanding your numbers and making decisions based on financial reality Building a team, hiring the right people, and growing as a leader Creating a business model that supports family priorities and personal wellbein…","meta_description":"What happens when the business model you carefully designed doesn't work the way you expected? For many entrepreneurs, that moment can feel like failure.…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2326,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/spark-good-podcast-6446770/episodes/50-growing-a-business-without-losing-yourself-a-conversation-with-marlee-james-of-reviving-roots/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/spark-good-podcast-6446770/50-growing-a-business-without-losing-yourself-a-conversation-with-marlee-james-of-reviving-roots.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}