Well … here it is. Our final ever episode of The Sam + Jo VA Show. 🥹
After 7 years, 234 podcast episodes, 100k downloads, hundreds of hours of recordings, 7 business planners, 3 global online summits, 5 national industry awards, 5 international VA Day celebrations, 2 overseas retreats and countless coaching sessions .... we’re hanging up our headsets and passing the reins to the next generation of leaders in the VA space.
This episode is a love letter to the journey - to the people, the lessons, the late nights, the belly laughs, and the “what on earth are we doing?” moments that shaped who we are today.
We talk about how it all started, the highlights that still give us goosebumps, and the life-changing decision to step away from something that’s become such a huge part of our identity.
Because sometimes growth means letting go. And saying goodbye doesn’t mean it didn’t matter - it means it mattered so much that we’ll never forget it.
To everyone who’s listened, learned, laughed, cried, and built a business alongside us - thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve changed our lives in ways we can never put into words.
Here’s to the future of the VA industry - it’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s in very good hands.
In this episode you’ll learn:
The origin story some of you may never have heard.Our biggest “pinch me” moments and proudest achievements.What we’ve learned about business, bravery, and burnout.How we made peace with stepping away from something we love.
Thank you for being part of our world. Thanks for all the incredible memories. Thanks for letting us be part of your VA journey.
Sam + Jo xo
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Ep233 Perimenopause: It's Not Just Mid-Life Hot Flushes (Part 2)
If you haven’t listened to Part 1 (ep#218) yet - go do that first. Trust us.
That episode literally saved lives and marriages.
One year on, we’re back with an update.
In true Sam + Jo style, we’re diving in deep as we compare how differently this mid-life hormonal chaos showed up for Jo this time around.
Cos YES! Jo’s officially joined the perimenopause club! (Welcome, Jo. Membership includes night sweats, tears, and a newfound appreciation for magnesium haha).
In this episode it's Jo's turn to open up about her journey as someone who wanted to manage it naturally, and how much faster she found answers given the knowledge she was equipped with.
And Sam also shares what’s changed since her diagnosis a year ago, and how life looks on the other side of getting help.
This episode is for every woman who’s been told to “suck it up”, for every partner struggling to understand, and for everyone who deserves to feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why perimenopause doesn’t look the same for everyone.What happens when you stop fighting and start listening to your body.How knowledge and honesty can change everything.Why we need to stop whispering about women’s health and start shouting.
Sam + Jo xo
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment options
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Ep232 An Interview with Marianne - 2025 NZ VA Of The Year
Digital Designer and Online Course Expert Marianne Wullings from Mickie Digital took out the biggest Award at this year’s Seea New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards - and what a night it was!
As well as being crowned VA of the Year for 2025, Marianne also took home Top Performing Team Member and Top Creative VA. Talk about a trifecta of excellence that celebrates her incredible talent, determination, and creativity.
Has it all sunk in yet? Not quite! Marianne’s still riding that “is this real life?” wave, and we don’t blame her.
Just days after her big wins, Marianne joined us to chat about her journey from uncertainty to clarity, how Launch in 30 Days was a game-changer for her business, the power of niching down, and how she’s learned to build a thriving VA business while managing chronic pain - turning what could’ve been a setback into one of her biggest strengths.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How Launch in 30 Days helped Marianne completely transform her business.The pivotal moment she found her niche - and why it changed everything.How she’s built a sustainable business model that supports her chronic pain journey.Marianne’s advice for VAs ready to stop second-guessing themselves and start owning their zone of genius.
Connect with Marianne from Mickie Digital here and see how she can take your coaching from one-on-one to one-to-many with Kajabi.
Sam + Jo xo
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Ep231 When Your VA Team Falls Apart - And How To Handle It Like A Pro
Agency owners (aspiring, newbies and old hats) this one’s for you!
In this episode we’re talking about the messy, emotional, not-so-glam side of building a team. You know – the stuff that no one posts about on Insta:
When a team member lets you down and leaves you to pick up the pieces.When you’re still doing client work, managing a family and now … dealing with shitty HR issues.When you’re exhausted and wondering, “Is this even worth it?”
Running a VA agency isn’t for the faint hearted, but if you go into it with realistic expectations, knowing that your resilience will be tested, and you’re open to growing into a leader your team deserves, then it’s totally worth it!
Get comfy while we talk you through the real challenges you’ll face as an agency owner, the mindset shifts you’ll need to make, and the practical ways you can lead with more confidence, boundaries and breathing space.
This is your reminder that your journey doesn’t have to be lonely or overwhelming – especially with the right support.
Find out more about the Scale It Mastermind here.
Download the Free Pre-Scale Checklists here.
Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner?
Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here.
Sam + Jo xo
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Ep230 Profitable Payroll: What to Package, What to Avoid
Thinking of adding payroll services to your virtual assistant or bookkeeping biz?
This episode is your sign to explore it… the smart way.
We’re joined by Alick and Vicki from Thankyou Payroll who break down exactly what it takes to build a payroll offering that’s profitable and stress-free (for you and your clients!).
What you'll learn:
Why payroll can be a powerful recurring revenue stream How to package and price it like a pro What you must know to stay compliant (and protect your client) Where to get trained up if you’re new to the game How to grow this service through referrals and collaboration
If you’re looking for a sticky, high-trust service to add to your offering - or you’ve been asked about payroll and not sure what to say - this convo is packed with gold nuggies.
Whether you're side-eyeing payroll as your next service or you're already doing it and want to do it better, this one’s for you.
Book a call with Vicki to chat about adding payroll services to your business
Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here.
~ Sam + Jo xo
THE must listen-to podcast for Virtual Assistants around the globe!
Having both independently grown and managed successful VA businesses for 20+ years combined, VA coaches Jo Jensen and Sam Browne joined forces in 2019 to help other VAs specialise, systemise, and scale their very own businesses with confidence.
No matter where you are in your VA journey, whether you're just starting out or you've been in the biz for a while, The Sam + Jo VA Show podcast provides you the best insights, ideas and strategies so you too can grow a thriving, work-from-home, virtual business.
Learn from those that have not only been there, but they've done it (and continue to do it) successfully!
Looking for more clarity on how to scale your business? Access the best virtual assistant training & coaching at The VA Foundry