Divesting from hustle culture inside your own business with Angela Johnson
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke sit down with Angela Johnson, a trauma-informed marketing strategist and educator, for an honest conversation about capacity, mental health, and what it really looks like to divest from hustle culture without blowing up your livelihood.
Angela reflects on nearly two decades in business, the weight of self-blame when income fluctuates, and the slow, deliberate work of deconditioning from capitalist and patriarchal “shoulds.” Together, they explore parts work, neurodivergence, dopamine-seeking brains, and how founders can redesign their businesses around compassion, curiosity, creativity, and connection — not constant optimization.
This is a conversation about letting go, staying human, and choosing systems that support your nervous system instead of punishing it.
What we talk about• Why burnout isn’t a productivity problem — it’s a systems problem• How self-blame quietly becomes the default business model• Divesting from hustle culture without abandoning financial reality• Parts work, internalized “manager” voices, and listening to your true self• Neurodivergence, dopamine, and why consistency can feel impossible• Why fewer metrics — and different ones — can lead to more peace• Building capacity without treating rest like a reward• Redesigning your business around mental health, not endurance• Letting go of social media and returning to relationship-based marketing• Why “doing less” can actually make your business more sustainable
ABOUT ANGELA JOHNSONAngela Johnson is known for helping rebel entrepreneurs turn their genius into a signature body of work and amplify their thought leadership using her simple one-page marketing plan. She has taught over 3,000 business owners how to stop chasing the algorithm and fitting into one-size-fits-all formulas by crafting a compelling message without using pain points or big promises.
With a Master of Professional Communication, her IRB-approved research on how trauma impacts small-business owners is an anchor of her work. Her trauma-informed approach is the antidote for equity-centered businesses that are dedicated to leading with their values in a world where honoring humanity is a radical act of resistance.
Angela has shared stages with thought leaders including Elizabeth Gilbert, Lynn Twist, and Lisa Nichols. Beyond her work as an adjunct professor and entrepreneur, she is happiest when she is creating anything with her hands, from painting, embroidery, and pottery to gardening. Angela lives on the stolen land of the Goshute Nation in Utah, with her partner of over 20 years, where together they spoil their rescue dog, who is the queen of the house.
Connect with Angela at www.angelamjohnson.com.
🎤 WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE. JOIN US! http://feministpodcastcollective.com/
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In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke sit down with Angela Johnson, a trauma-informed marketing strategist and educator, for an honest conversation about capacity, mental health, and what it really looks like to divest from hustle culture without blowing up your livelihood. Angela reflects on nearly two decades in business, the weight of self-blame when income fluctuates, and the slow, deliberate work of deconditioning from capitalist and patriarchal “shoulds.” Together, they explore parts work, neurodivergence, dopamine-seeking brains, and how founders can redesign their businesses around compassion, curiosity, creativity, and connection — not constant optimization. This is a conversation about letting go, staying human, and choosing systems that support your nervous system instead of punishing it. What we talk about• Why burnout isn’t a productivity problem — it’s a systems problem• How self-blame quietly becomes the default business model• Divesting from hustle culture without abandoning financial reality• Parts work, internalized “manager” voices, and listening to your true self• Neurodivergence, dopamine, and why consistency can feel impossible• Why fewer metrics — and different ones — can lead to more peace• Building capacity without treating rest like a reward• Redesigning your business around mental health, not endurance• Letting go of social media and returning to relationship-based marketing• Why “doing less” can actually make your business more sustainable ABOUT ANGELA JOHNSONAngela Johnson is known for helping rebel entrepreneurs turn their genius into a signature body of work and amplify their thought leadership using her simple one-page marketing plan. She has taught over 3,000 business owners how to stop chasing the algorithm and fitting into one-size-fits-all formulas by crafting a compelling message without using pain points or big promises. With a Master of Professional Communication, her IRB-approved research on how trauma impacts small-business owners is an anchor of her work. Her trauma-informed approach is the antidote for equity-centered businesses that are dedicated to leading with their values in a world where honoring humanity is a radical act of resistance. Angela has shared stages with thought leaders including Elizabeth Gilbert, Lynn Twist, and Lisa Nichols. Beyond her work as an adjunct professor and entrepreneur, she is happiest when she is creating anything with her hands, from painting, embroidery, and pottery to gardening. Angela lives on the stolen land of the Goshute Nation in Utah, with her partner of over 20 years, where together they spoil their rescue dog, who is the queen of the house. Connect with Angela at www.angelamjohnson.com. 🎤 WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE. JOIN US! http://feministpodcastcollective.com/