Between 2 Bridges

Brian Drusky has spent the last 20 years putting Pittsburgh on the map as a live music destination. From rock legends to rising stars, he’s booked them all. In this episode, he breaks down how the concert game works, from locking in artists and venues to navigating the chaos of COVID-era drive-ins and weather disasters. Whether you’re a music fan or a business builder, this one hits all the right notes.

John Dick doesn’t just track trends, he predicts them.

As founder of CivicScience, he’s behind the real-time data engine that powers decisions for brands like Target, McDonald’s, and Apple. In this episode, John breaks down what 6 billion survey responses reveal about shifting consumer habits, brand loyalty during recessions, and how uncertainty creates a once-in-a-cycle opportunity for smart businesses to steal market share. If you want to know where the market’s going, or how to actually read the signals, this is the conversation you need.

Some episodes hit different when life catches up. After the recent passing of Jerry’s mother-in-law, we found ourselves thinking back to this powerful talk with Sean Truby - funeral director, and quiet guide through grief. From sharing his journey into the family business to reflecting on the recent loss of his own father, Sean’s words now carry a deeper weight. We’re grateful for the Truby family’s support during this time, and grateful to bring you this episode again, exactly when it's needed most.

From tinting windows to building an empire, Josh Poponick didn’t just darken glass, he brightened his future. In this episode, the founder of Blackout Tinting peels back the layers of hard work, smart scaling, and what it takes to turn a small shop into a multi-location success story.

You can’t hustle your way out of burnout. When exhaustion takes over, productivity drops, creativity vanishes, and your motivation tanks. So what now? In this episode, we cut through the noise and get real about burnout, why it happens, how to spot it, and what you need to do to recharge before it wrecks your work and well-being.

Michael Lindner has lived the rockstar dream with record deals, big stages, and tour life. But what does it mean to “make it” in music? For Mike, the answer isn’t in fame or fortune, it’s in creative freedom, steady gigs, and the joy of performing on his own terms. Tune in for a raw, unplugged look at the life of a working musician.

You’ve been grinding, your side hustle is making money, but now you’re wondering, “Should I make this legit?” We’re diving into the world of LLCs, taxes, and business structure to help you avoid rookie mistakes and get your hustle set up the right way. Let's talk business, If you’re making money on the side, this episode is for you.

Economic downturns have historically been breeding grounds for some of the most successful businesses. When the economy tightens, people get creative, finding ways to generate income outside of traditional employment. Side hustles emerge, lean startups take root, and struggling industries pave the way for innovation. Episode 70 dives into how financial hardship is pushing people to pivot, take risks, and redefine their careers, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of opportunity.

Did Congress just vote to eliminate taxes on tips? Nope, but that didn’t stop social media from saying otherwise. Joe and Jerry break down what actually happened, the misinformation making the rounds, and how this potential tax cut could affect businesses, workers, and the economy. Plus, a deep dive into Social Security, small business struggles, and the reality of government spending.

Joe and Jerry have heard it all, so they are tackling the most common myths about their industries, separating fact from fiction with straight talk, real stories, and a little sarcasm. Get ready to learn what’s real, what’s nonsense, and why believing the wrong thing could be a costly mistake.