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Welcome to ’Excelsior!,’ the captivating podcast hosted by Britleigh Cocozzello. In each episode, Britleigh delves into the vibrant world of Twin Cities artists and entrepreneurs, unraveling their unique stories. Join her as she introduces you to the individuals shaping the artistic and business landscape of the Twin Cities. Discover the faces behind the creativity, be inspired by their journeys to success, gain insights into the challenges they overcome, and get a glimpse of the dedicated community that fuels Minnesota’s spirit. ’Excelsior!’ is your gateway to connecting with the heart and soul of the thriving Minnesota community.
Episodes

Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Queery The Clown Loves Green Tea!
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
In this episode, we dive into the captivating story of Queery the Clown, whose viral video on Instagram caught my attention and turned me into an instant fan. Her unique style and entrepreneurial ambition are truly inspiring. She has not only created a brand for herself with fun and engaging merchandise, but she has also shown that with determination and creativity, you can capitalize on your art.
www.excelsiorp.com

Monday Jun 17, 2024
Farrah Fisher Loves Dark Chocolate!
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
In this episode, I sit down with Farrah Fischer, the founder of "Datable Rebels" and host of the "Datable Rebels" podcast. On a rainy day in my studio, surrounded by my dogs, we chat about her journey in creating a dating company and podcast that dives deep into modern dating life and fosters genuine connections through unique events. We vibe on our shared passion for bringing people together to meet friends and find love. Farrah shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs in the dating scene, exploring the psychological aspects of dating and how understanding them can enhance connections. Tune in to learn more about the art of dating and how Farrah brings people together.

Monday May 27, 2024
Kristen Smith Loves Doughnuts!
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Last summer, while conducting interviews at the state fair, I had the unique opportunity to interview a couple in their wedding attire. This serendipitous encounter led me to the awe-inspiring Kristen Smith! Kristen, a fitness coach and host of her own health podcast, embodies the true spirit of a "Girl Boss." Originally from Minnesota, she made the bold move to Miami in 2020.
In this episode, Kristen shares her incredible transformation story. Her journey is a testament to motivation, determination, and resilience. We discuss her experiences, insights, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Kristen’s story is sure to inspire and motivate you, just as it did for me.
Join us for this special episode as Kristen Smith and I connect over our shared passion for health and fitness, and celebrate her remarkable achievements. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with one amazing woman!
Tune in and be inspired by Kristen's journey of transformation and empowerment.
www.excelsoirp.com

Friday May 10, 2024
Vince LaPelusa Loves Pizza!
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Embark on a journey through the world of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the reality behind it with Vince, the founder of a local tea company, Fresh Steeps. I was first Introduced to Vince's teas by influential members of the community, I was immediately drawn to his fun Tik Tok videos. Our shared passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sparked a connection that led to a conversation about Vince's tea journey. From debuting his canned teas at events like Sauna and Sobriety gatherings to confronting unforeseen financial obstacles, Vince candidly shares the unvarnished truth about the entrepreneurial experience. Join us in the studio as we explore the highs, lows, and invaluable insights from Vince's entrepreneurial odyssey, shedding light on the often overlooked realities of starting a new business.

Friday Apr 26, 2024
Jen Gilhoi Salted Caramel Ice Cream!
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Empowering Sobriety: A Conversation with Jen Gilhoi
Join us for an insightful episode featuring Jen Gilhoi, a true beacon of inspiration. As the co-founder of both Zero Proof Collective and Sauna and Sobriety, Jen dedicates her efforts to fostering a culture of sobriety in the vibrant community of the Twin Cities.
In this engaging conversation, Jen opens up about her personal journey towards sobriety, sharing profound insights and experiences that have shaped her path. Through her work and advocacy, she seeks to destigmatize sobriety, making it a celebrated and normalized lifestyle choice.
Jen's impactful contributions extend beyond her local community; she has also graced the TEDx stage with her empowering message. To delve deeper into her story and perspective, don't miss her inspiring TEDx talk, accessible [here]

Monday Apr 15, 2024
Jenna Redfield Loves Spaghetti!
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
This inspiring episode is with the driven self-starter, Jenna Redfield! Jenna, a beacon of creativity and positivity, shares her illuminating journey through the realms of content creation, digital marketing, and beyond.
In this episode, Jenna takes us on a journey through her own evolution. As an ADHD entrepreneur, Jenna's unique perspective adds depth and richness to her story, showcasing how she has triumphed over challenges and harnessed her innate strengths to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.
From humble beginnings to founding the thriving Twin Cities Collective Business Education. Jenna's story is as inspiring as it is enlightening. But Jenna's impact extends far beyond her own journey. With her innate ability to navigate and organize, she has become a guiding light for many like herself, offering invaluable insights and strategies to help fellow ADHD entrepreneurs succeed.
But that's not all! Jenna generously opens up about her current pursuits, discussing the latest books she's delving into and the cutting-edge concepts she's exploring. From content marketing strategies to digital organizing techniques, Jenna's voracious appetite for knowledge is contagious, inviting us all to join her in the pursuit of growth and excellence.
Moreover, Jenna provides a sneak peek into the exciting changes on the horizon for her coaching and workshops. Get ready to be at the forefront of innovation as Jenna shares her vision for the future and how she plans to empower even more individuals to thrive in the digital landscape.
Prepare to be inspired as Jenna Redfield invites us into her world of continuous learning, evolution, and empowerment. Tune in and bask in the brilliance of her insights as we navigate the ever-changing currents of the digital age together.

Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Maggie Kirkwood Loves Mushrooms!
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
In this week's episode of Excelsior!, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Maggie Kirkwood, host of the fascinating podcast, "Minds on Mushrooms"!
Tune in to this enlightening episode as Maggie Kirkwood takes us on a journey through the captivating realm of mushrooms and shares her inspiring story of discovery and growth.
Maggie shares her captivating journey of how her fascination with fungi led her down a path of discovery and transformation.
In our conversation, Maggie dives deep into the wonders of mushrooms, exploring their diverse uses and the hidden potentials they hold.
Check out her podcast, "Minds on Mushrooms," A podcast dedicated to normalizing and de-stigmatizing psychedelic plant medicine for mental health and addiction. She helps guide you through the world of psychedelic plant medicine.
Maggie delves into how this medicine has been shown to aid in managing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, alcoholism, insomnia, and beyond.

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Aimee Chenal Loves Pizza!
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
In this powerful episode of Excelsior! I sit down with the extraordinary Aimee Chenal, a beacon of creativity, strength, and resilience. Aimee shares her remarkable journey, from writing, producing, directing, and acting in the feature film "Meat Raffle" to facing the unexpected challenge of a breast cancer diagnosis during its production.
Despite the daunting diagnosis, Aimee's unstoppable spirit shines through as she discusses how she navigated through filmmaking while undergoing treatment. She reveals the profound impact of mushrooms on her healing journey.
As Aimee prepares for a double mastectomy as a touching tribute, I did a topless photoshoot capturing Aimee's strength and beauty.

Monday Jan 22, 2024
Georgeanne Kalweit Loves Mozzarella di Bufala!
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Fate led me to encounter an incredibly talented woman and her two equally gifted sisters at a Holiday Party during her rare visit. Engaging in conversation, I was captivated, and it became evident that I had to feature this remarkable woman on my podcast. Despite her busy schedule, she graciously visited my studio for an enriching conversation. Hailing from Minneapolis, she is a multi-faceted artist - a singer, songwriter, visual, and performance artist. Noteworthy among her projects is 'A Temporary Lie' with Georgeanne Kalweit and 'The Kalweit Project,' based in Milan, Italy. It's worth mentioning that she currently resides in Milan, adding an international touch to her artistic journey.

Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Kara Loves Leftovers!
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
In the intimate setting of my studio, I sat down with Kara, the artistic genius behind the name, "Hot Mess Homemaker." Beyond her well-known refurbished earrings gracing spots like Caffetto Coffee Shop or Lost Fox, Kara's creative touch extends far beyond jewelry. Responsible for the distinctive signs, shelves, designs, and artworks in various Twin Cities locations, Kara is a silent influencer shaping the aesthetic landscape. As we chat, she reveals the artist behind the name, sharing insights into her artistic journey and the inspiration driving her diverse creations. Juggling motherhood with her art, Kara blends both worlds, embracing the chaos that comes with creativity and offering her children a chance to partake in the artistic process.
If you have a project in mind and would like to collaborate with Hot Mess Homemaker, you can reach out to her via email at hellohotmesshomemaker@gmail.com. Alternatively, for a more unconventional approach, you can send a smoke signal or even activate the bat signal. Connect with Hot Mess Homemaker on Instagram at hotmes_homemaker to explore her creative portfolio and initiate a unique collaboration. Get ready to bring your ideas to life with a touch of Hot Mess Homemaker's artistic flair!
Explore the full story by tuning in to the Excelsior! Podcast Episode. Show your support and become a part of the Excelsior! community by joining their Patreon at www.patreon.com/Excelsior_Britleigh. Your engagement and patronage make a significant impact, ensuring the continued creation of content and the growth of this exciting venture. Don't miss out on the journey—listen to the episode and consider becoming a patron today!