Ksenia Asha Patel Designs

These are some of the best tools, products and resources that help me run my life and business.

Podcasting Tools, Equipment & Software

  1. Libsyn.com for podcast hosting (once set up, it automatically pushes new episodes out to iTunes, Spotify, Google Play etc.) Use code KSENIA for up to 2 months of free podcast hosting.
  2. Zencastr – I’ve used it since day one of my podcast. It conveniently records high quality audio and video in separate tracks and is super easy to use. Use code KSENIA for 30% off your first three months with PRO account. It includes unlimited audio and video recordings, hosting up to 4 guests at once, audio and video mixing and unlimited English transcriptions. You get a 14 day trial and can always downgrade to the free account if you choose to.
  3. Blue Snowball USB condenser microphone (budget mic option): I used this mic for 3 years before I upgraded and it’s a great budget option. Just make sure you’re using the right setting on the back of the mic.
  4. Shure MV7 USB dynamic microphone (upgraded mic option): I recently switched to this mic paired with a boom arm for better sound and better mic/posture alignment, and it changes EVERYTHING.
  5. Music: Epidemic Sound and Soundstripe are the websites I use to get royalty free music for my podcast and YouTube videos.
  6. Transcription service for podcast episodes (improves accessibility and boosts SEO!)
  7. Canva Pro for all design needs – this is where I create my podcast quotes and artwork.

For more podcasting tips, listen to episode 226 Tips For Starting, Growing and Monetizing a Podcast | 11 Lessons I’ve Learned From 500K Downloads, 230 reviews, 225 episodes and $150K.

Health & Wellness

Ethically sourced, intentional ceremonial cacao:

The Best Clean (and delicious) Coffee Alternatives to wake up.

Anima Mundi Herbals is my go-to source of herbs, superfoods and healing potions. Get to know Anima Mundi Founder Adriana Ayales and be blown away by the integrity and love behind the brand! Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 15% off. 

LOTUSWEI flower essences are my daily ritual! They make intentional ingestible flower elixirs, aura mists, bath soaks and anointing oils, among other products. I’ve loved being a member of their subscription, Flowerevolution, and also love intuitively choosing essences based on what I’m cultivating. My all-time favorites are Radiant Energy, Infinite Love and Fierce Compassion. Get to know LOTUSWEI founder Katie Hess in this interview.

SuperFeast is a trusted source of medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic blends.

If you’re wanting to reduce the amount of coffee you consume, here’s a list of the best coffee alternatives.

Matcha: My go-to brands are Pique Tea and Matcha Kari – clean, high quality matcha that I drink almost daily. The founder is Dr. Weil, who was my guest on episode 85.

Dry Farm Wines – if you’re a wine drinker, this subscription will change your life. Dry Farm Wines sources biodynamic, natural wines with less than 1 gram of sugar per bottle. They’re clean, ensure no headaches, and are paleo and keto-friendly. So good! Get to know Dry Farm Wines founder Todd White in this interview.

SuperFat – my favorite clean on-the-go nut butter rich in protein.

BON CHARGE (formerly BluBlox) – my go-to blue light blocking glasses.

Beauty & Style

My absolute favorite non-toxic beauty and skincare brands are: 

Ilia Beauty:  mascara, concealer, multi stick

Saie: tint slip (I swear by this product!), mascara, glowy super gel (highlighter)

Borboleta Clean Lash Growth Serum – it works! My lashes got 1.5 longer in 4 weeks.

True Botanicals: this has been my #1 skincare brand for years. I use the Clear Collection for acne-prone skin, and my skin hasn’t been the same.

Herbal Face Food: The Cure botanical serum dries up any minor breakouts like magic and helps erase imperfections. Plant power! Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 20% off.

Primally Pure makes the most effective non-toxic deodorant I’ve used.

Asha Patel Designs is my favorite source of mindfully made crystal jewelry. Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 10% off most pieces.

Rituals

Breathwrk app is a beautiful breathing and mindfulness companion.

The Five Minute Journal and Productivity Planner

Cosmic Compass: a soul-strategy game that offers you a direct way to answer your life’s questions and find clarity about specific situations. You can play it alone as part of your morning or evening ritual, or with up to 12 people – including kids. I’ve been loving it! Get to know its creator Aline Hanle in episode 149.

Home

JASPR: the ultimate air purifier. I learned about JASPR from our neighbor Mike when we lived in Austin – he is the one who created it! It has significantly improved our air quality. If you’re ready to invest in better sleep and a better quality of life through better air quality, this is it. Use code KSENIA.

After getting married, we upgraded to a nice Italian espresso machine, and our coffee life hasn’t been the same. We got the Rocket Espresso Giotto machine and Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder. Both are from Seattle Coffee Gear – they super helpful reps helped us pick the right items over the phone.

Parachute linen sheets are one of the best investments I’ve ever made into our home.

My office / podcasting standing desk setup is from Uplift Desk. It changed my life!

Learning

Skillshare is a learning platform where I originally learned about SEO and building websites. They have so many incredible classes on everything from photography to public speaking and social media strategy. Use this link to get 1 month of free Premium Membership, including access to my Hashtag Mindful class.

Dream World Program – a very special 4-week program that centered around Ancient Amazonian wisdom for remembering, interpreting, and being guided by your own dreams. You will get to learn directly from Sapara Nation leader Manari Ushigua and by registering, you are directly supporting the cultural preservation and forest protection efforts by the Sapara Nation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Use code KSENIA40 for $40 off the program during open enrollment periods here, and learn more about it in this interview with program director Jessica Scheer.

Marketing & Web

FloDesk – I recently switched to FloDesk for all my email marketing needs, significantly reducing my monthly spend on email marketing and bringing more joy into the experience of managing emails and automations. Get 50% off FloDesk with this link.

Kajabi – when I ran courses and workshops, I hosted them on Kajabi. The functionality they offer is unparalleled, from easy integrations to simple upsells, ability to have various price points on one product, easy customization of sales pages, and more. You can build your whole website on Kajabi, if you wish!

Bluehost – the only company I’ve ever used to host all my website. Their customer service reps are always helpful!

Tailwind – Pinterest scheduling with Tailwind helps you grow your business with more traffic, so you can spend time doing what you love. You can create your pins right from your Tailwind dashboard with Tailwind Create. I personally love and use Tailwind, and couldn’t recommend it enough!

Other podcasting tips: I use Audacity to record podcasts on my computer, then save as MP3 or WAV and send to my editor. When recording, surround yourself will pillows to reduce background noise (it’s a game-changer). I recommend for recording podcast episodes with guests on Zencastr.

Financial Services

SpiderERC helps small businesses and nonprofits affected by the shutdowns of 2020 or 2021 get tax credits from the government. The ERC (Employee Retention Credit) provides a maximum of $26,000 per employee, as long as certain criteria are met. Unlike PPP loans, the ERC credits do not have to be paid back. As of Spring 2023, ERC tax credits are still available. SpiderERC is a reliable, specialized financial services firm that helps small businesses and nonprofit organizations obtain the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) from the US government. Find out if you qualify for ERC tax credit. I love seeing what becomes possible when small businesses get that unexpected $$$ in the bank!

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