Brews & Business

2026, Lessons You Only Learn by Doing with Abel Rodriguez


Listen Later

In this episode of Brews and Business, the hosts reflect on what the podcast has meant to them—both personally and professionally and dive into the real, unfiltered realities of business ownership.
 They talk about missing the rhythm of consistent conversations with like-minded entrepreneurs, how podcasting sharpened their communication and interviewing skills, and why being on camera helped them gain confidence when connecting with high-level professionals. The conversation also explores the mindset shift that comes with business ownership, setting boundaries with clients, and why many entrepreneurs feel “officially unemployable.”
 The episode wraps with an honest discussion about economic uncertainty, industry stagnation, and how rapid change especially after the COVID has impacted service-based businesses. From four-day work weeks to weathering slowdowns, this episode is about finding rhythm, protecting mental health, and staying grounded when the business world feels unpredictable.
  Key Notes / Takeaways
  • Podcasting created consistency, rhythm, and meaningful conversations outside the daily grind
  • Hosting a podcast improves communication, curiosity, interviewing, and sales skills
  • Being on camera builds confidence and reduces intimidation when networking
  • High-level professionals are “just people too,” making connection easier
  • Business ownership creates a fundamentally different mindset than employment
  • Many owners feel tempted to clock in, clock out, and let problems be “not my problem”
  • Financial freedom allows flexibility and future career shifts
  • Setting boundaries is essential—even if it costs clients
  • A four-day work week (or closed Fridays) significantly improves mental health
  • Digital businesses often face unrealistic 24/7 client expectations
  • Not every fire needs to be put out immediately—some resolve themselves
  • Economic stagnation is harder than clear downturns because it stalls decision-making
  • Marketing and landscaping are often cut first during tight economic times
  • COVID created a temporary boom in home-based industries, followed by a correction
  • Too much change too fast prevents businesses from finding a new rhythm
Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Reflecting on the Podcast
Why the rhythm of consistent conversations was missed

04:30 – What Podcasting Teaches You
Communication, curiosity, interviewing, and confidence growth

10:15 – Networking Without Intimidation
Realizing industry leaders are just people

15:40 – “Officially Unemployable” Mindset
Why business owners think differently than employees

21:10 – The Allure of Clocking In and Out
Why owners sometimes want fewer responsibilities

26:30 – Financial Freedom & Career Flexibility
Rethinking lifelong careers and future business ideas

33:45 – Setting Boundaries with Clients
Why saying no matters more than saying yes

39:20 – The Four-Day Work Week Experiment
Mental health, team morale, and closing on Fridays

46:10 – Losing Clients by Creating Boundaries
Why it’s sometimes necessary—and worth it

52:30 – Fires That Can Wait
Letting problems resolve themselves

57:40 – Business Stagnation & Economic Uncertainty
Why not knowing is worse than knowing things are bad

1:04:15 – Industries Hit First in Tough Times
Marketing, landscaping, and service-based businesses

1:10:00 – Post-COVID Business Reality
From boom to crunch and finding a new normal

1:15:30 – Too Much Change, Too Fast
Why businesses need time to reset and find rhythm


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Brews & BusinessBy Braedon Kruse