So... You Wanna Be a Big Shot? — Big TimeEverybody wants to make it “big.” Okay...define big. Is it money? Followers? Influence? Impact? A really nice yacht you use twice a year?This week on Denim & Pearls, Big Time by Peter Gabriel gets us talking about AI, technology, success, money, and why somebody else’s definition of “making it” probably shouldn’t be yours.And somewhere in there, AI showed up—because apparently it’s going to make us all more productive, replace us, make Michelle 5'7", or possibly all three.So, Porch People: when will YOU know you've made it?Join Brian Swanson and Dr. Michelle Mras for Denim & Pearls — Business Casual with Pearls of Wisdom from the Porch.#DenimAndPearls #BigTime #Podcast #Success #AI #PearlsOfWisdom

What's Important? - Nobody Gives a Damn 265Life is important, business is important, relationships are important. But does anybody else really care? That's what's happening here today. So tune in to find out what's important.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #whatsimportant #ep265

Indifference 264It's one of those days, isn't it! Between partners (business or otherwise) sometimes we end up on the same mood. Sometimes it's both on a go get 'em high, other times it's about apathy.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #indifference #ep264

Dog Days of Summer 263We're going back down memory. Remember the days you spent outside. Garden hose, swimming pool, cut grass, you know....#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #dogdaysofsummer #ep263

Gasoline 262How do you react to those who may criticize you? Do you deserve to be part of the 1%, or do you even want to?We cover a series of attitude adjustments you may need.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #LivinOnAPrayer #prayer #ep262

Should I Stay Or Should I Go 261Ever notice how tiny everyday choices become these wild frontlines of personal pride? Toilet paper over or under? Fridge or counter for ketchup? These shouldn't be battle grounds, but somehow they are.In a hilarious chat with my husband, we realized how deeply we each believe in our "correct" way of doing things—like peanut butter: crunchy or creamy? To hang or fold clothes? These are minor moments, yet they reveal so much about how we see the world and our habits.What struck me most? The simple act of debating these small quirks makes us feel seen and understood, even if it’s just over which side of the Oreo to eat first. Sometimes, it’s not about the actual method but about expressing our identity — our little routines that give life structure.Maybe that's the point. Celebrating the small things—truths, habits, preferences—that make us human. Worth thinking about.What’s one small household debate you’re secretly passionate about?

Reach Out I'll Be There 260Ever feel like we’ve totally lost the art of just being present with each other?Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever gone a day without really connecting IRL.We’ve become so busy with tech—masking ourselves behind screens—that we forget humans are pack animals. We need human contact, not just AI chat or endless scrolling.When was the last time someone knocked on your door, just to say hi? Or you remembered your neighbor’s name?Honestly, I’d struggle to recall my own street name half the time! We rely on GPS and screens so much that basic human interactions—like dropping by a neighbor’s house—seem like relics.But here’s the truth: technology’s a tool, not a replacement.We crave real connections, the kind that fill our souls. So, who will you reach out to today—over coffee, a walk, or even just a phone call?Because, in the end, being there for each other might be the best tech of all.Want to get better at this? Start small. Remember a neighbor’s name. Drop a quick message. It’s the little things that reconnect us.Who will you reach out to first? Tag them below! 👇#RealConnections #HumanTouch #CommunityMatters #DigitalBalance #ReachOut

Livin' On A Prayer 259Life happens, roll with the punches, but sometimes you gotta go on good intentions and a prayer.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #LivinOnAPrayer #prayer #ep259

One Week 258It's been one week since you looked at me. Well, maybe not, but it sure feels like a long time since we've caught up. We all get busy, and sometimes we forget about others who are important to us. Life happens in an instant, things change and the next thing you know someone has moved on without us. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambuilding #IOneWeek #ep258

Chocolate Chips 257Happy National Chocolate Chip Day! In today’s episode, we turn chocolate chips into a business lesson: sometimes the breakthrough you need is already in front of you — you just have to repurpose it.From homemade cookies to big ideas, this conversation is a reminder that creativity often starts with what’s already on hand.What’s one thing in your business or life you could repurpose today?#ChocolateChipDay #PodcastLife #BusinessTips #EntrepreneurMindset #Repurpose #SmallBusiness #CreativeThinking #DenimAndPearls