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Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize the way we work and live—but why does “smart” tech so often feel dumb? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real frustrations of AI in business and everyday life. From customer service chatbots that trap you in endless loops, to voice assistants that don’t understand context, to productivity tools that almost deliver but never quite work, we break down the everyday struggles that business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers face when relying on artificial intelligence.

We’ll explore the truth behind AI hype, how automation and machine learning can create both opportunities and headaches, and why businesses can’t afford to blindly trust AI without human oversight. Whether you’re running a company, managing a team, or just trying to get through your day without fighting with “smart” tech, this episode highlights the gap between artificial intelligence’s promises and its real-world performance.

Join us for a candid discussion on when AI works, when it doesn’t, and why sometimes the smartest solution is still a human who knows what they’re doing.

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIinBusiness #TechFrustrations #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Whiskey and Beer: @SaloonDoor @bruichladdich

Mike: Bulleit Rye Whiskey and Saloon Door “Crank Dat AC” IPA

Blaine: Port Charlotte “Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt” Scotch Whiskey

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jzwZCgZIZ7I

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

We’ve all been there—stuck on hold, bounced between departments, or treated like an inconvenience. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the frustrating world of bad customer service and how it silently kills customer success, retention, and brand loyalty. Poor service experiences cost businesses millions in lost revenue every year, and for small businesses and entrepreneurs, one bad interaction can be the difference between growth and failure.

From viral customer service disasters that went mainstream, to everyday tone-deaf policies that drive customers away, we unpack the real stories behind service fails and ask: when did “the customer is always right” stop being true? We’ll also talk about how customer success impacts long-term business growth, why companies overlook it, and what happens when service is treated as an afterthought rather than a core part of business strategy.

But it’s not all negative—we share legendary examples of companies that got customer service right and built incredible loyalty, showing that outstanding service still wins. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone who’s survived a nightmare customer service call, this episode gives you insights, lessons, and a few cringe-worthy laughs along the way.

#CustomerService #CustomerSuccess #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @lonepintbrewery @cabinbrewingco @bornbrewingco

Mike: Lone Pint Brewery “Brewer’s Select” American Wheat Ale

Blaine: Cabin Brewing Company and Born Brewing Co. Collaboration “Super Cutie!” Hazy IPA with Mango

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wF1pM8EdhFI

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

When you’re the boss, everyone looks to you for answers, paychecks, and stability—but who has the boss’s back? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dig into the hidden reality that many entrepreneurs and small business owners face: carrying the weight of leadership alone. From sleepless nights over payroll to tough decisions that affect employees and families, the entrepreneurial journey often comes with isolation that no one talks about.

We explore why small business owners so often feel unsupported, what that lack of support costs them mentally, emotionally, and financially, and how it can impact the long-term success of their companies. Leadership burnout is real, and without a network or system in place, even the strongest leaders can struggle.

Mike and Blaine also share strategies for building a safety net of mentors, peers, and advisors, as well as personal stories of how having (or not having) support systems changed the trajectory of their businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup founder, or someone dreaming about running your own company, this episode offers valuable insight into the entrepreneurial mindset and what it truly takes to sustain leadership over the long haul.

#Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessOwners #BusinessLeadership #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @GooseIsland @estbrew

Mike: Goose Island “Hazy Beer Hug” Hazy IPA

Blaine: The Establishment Brewing “Tidal Wave” West Coast IPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L7z09H2uVes

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Some business phrases are so overused they make you cringe—yet we keep saying them anyway. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore the world of business jargon and corporate buzzwords, from classics like “circle back,” “touch base,” and “low-hanging fruit” to terms like “red tape” that sneak into meetings, emails, and everyday conversations. These phrases may sound empty today, but they all have surprisingly real origins.

Mike and Blaine trace how these sayings started on ballfields, farms, and battlefields before they invaded the workplace, showing that even the most irritating corporate clichés once had a practical meaning. We’ll laugh at the ridiculousness of how overused they’ve become, break down why jargon spreads so quickly in business culture, and talk about why these phrases stick around despite making so many people roll their eyes.

It’s part history lesson, part comedy, and part therapy session for anyone tired of hearing the same buzzwords in every meeting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or corporate professional, this episode will give you new perspective on the words we love to hate—and maybe even a little forgiveness for using them yourself.

#BusinessCommunication #Buzzwords #CorporateJargon #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @GreatRaftBrewing @estbrew

Mike: Great Raft Brewing “Reasonably Corrupt” Black Lager

Blaine: The Establishment “Dream Your Life Away” Hazy IPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TDICQlWPHL4

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

pisode 200 is here, and we’re celebrating with a big question every entrepreneur has asked at some point: should you turn your hobby into a business? In this milestone episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real challenges and opportunities of turning passion projects into profitable ventures. From weekend hobbies that spark full-time startups to the risks of burning out when your favorite pastime becomes your paycheck, we explore what it really takes to make the leap.

We’re joined by our show beer sponsor and neighborhood legend, Pat—who thought he was showing up for a beer tasting (spoiler alert: Mike and Blaine brought whiskey instead). Along the way, we share stories of entrepreneurs who successfully transformed hobbies into thriving businesses, the red flags to watch for when a hobby isn’t business-ready, and practical advice for anyone weighing whether their side hustle could become a career.

It’s part business conversation, part celebration, and of course, part prank—the perfect mix of what makes Mike and Blaine unique. Whether you’re dreaming about launching a startup, already running a side hustle, or just here for the laughs and whiskey, this episode delivers inspiration, cautionary tales, and plenty of fun.

#StartupStories #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SideHustle #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer (and Whiskey!): @buffalotracedistillery @anohkadistillery @upstreambrewing

Mike: Buffalo Spirit “Traveller Whiskey”

Blaine: Anohka “This is Not Whiskey” Barrel Aged Single Malt Spirit

Pat: Upstream Brewing Company “Dundee Export 90” Scotch Ale

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fk400eU3XS8

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Everyone loves an underdog story—but in business, winning takes more than heart, it takes strategy. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we crack open the story of a small craft brewery that dares to take on the beer industry’s biggest players by doubling down on quality, authenticity, and community. It sparks a bigger conversation about how small businesses can carve out their own space and thrive, even when they’re outspent, outstaffed, and outscaled by corporate giants.

We dig into the unique advantages that underdogs bring to the table, from agility in decision-making to building loyal customer relationships that big brands can’t match. Being local, authentic, and connected gives smaller businesses the ability to adapt faster, experiment more, and create experiences that resonate deeply with their customers. These are the traits that often turn scrappy startups into long-term success stories.

Mike and Blaine also share personal insights and examples of how businesses can punch above their weight class, transforming limitations into strengths. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just someone rooting for the little guy, this episode reveals why being smaller doesn’t mean weaker—it means you’ve got an edge the big guys can’t buy.

#SmallBusiness #BrandStrategy #Entrepreneurship #UnderdogAdvantage #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @polyrhythmbrewing @RealAleBrewing

Mike: Real Ale Texas Light

Blaine: Polyrhythm “808” Irish Red

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O7OTe3QmlTE

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Think your small business website is too boring for hackers to care about? Think again. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we uncover the shocking truth about why cybercriminals target small business websites—and why ignoring cybersecurity could cost you big. From stolen credit card testing and brute force logins to DDoS attacks and outdated plugins, we dive into the most common threats that quietly put small businesses at risk every single day.

We break down how hackers exploit small sites, the financial and reputational damage of even a “minor” attack, and why being a small player doesn’t make you invisible—it makes you vulnerable. You’ll hear why cyberattacks aren’t just about stealing money or data, but often about using your site as a testing ground or launching pad for bigger crimes.

The good news? Protecting your website doesn’t require a massive IT budget. Mike and Blaine share practical steps any small business owner can take to secure their site, reduce risk, and avoid becoming an easy target. It’s less about paranoia and more about smart prevention—because the last thing you want is to get punked by a bot in Belarus.

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or entrepreneur trying to keep your digital doors locked, this episode will give you the tools and awareness you need to fight back against cyber threats.

#Cybersecurity #SmallBusinessSecurity #WebsiteSecurity #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @altstadtbrewery @blindmanbrewing

Mike: Altstadt Brewery Radler

Blaine: Blindman Brewing “May Long” DIPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C2EN43VBbFw

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Every entrepreneur claims they “know their numbers,” but do they really? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dig into the tension every small business owner faces: when to trust your gut instinct and when to let the data lead the way. Business decisions are rarely black and white, and sometimes the best path forward depends on striking the right balance between intuition and analysis.

We explore real stories where listening to instinct paid off with big wins—and other times where ignoring the numbers led to costly mistakes. From cash flow forecasting to market shifts, we highlight the risks of relying too heavily on either gut feelings or spreadsheets, and how entrepreneurs can use both to their advantage. Spoiler: one overlooked data point or one bad hunch could be the difference between growth and going broke.

Mike and Blaine also share their own experiences navigating business decisions, offering insights into how leaders can make smarter choices, avoid blind spots, and build confidence in both their instincts and their numbers. Whether you’re running a startup, scaling a small business, or just trying to sharpen your decision-making skills, this episode is packed with lessons on how to find the sweet spot between data and intuition.

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessMindset #DataDriven #SmallBusinessOwners #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @RealAleBrewing @omenbrewingyeg

Mike: Real Ale Brewing Company “Favorable Conditions” West Coast IPA

Blaine: Omen Brewing “Spilt Milk” Milk Stout

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2V_jjIL1DFY

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Forget 80-page business plans collecting dust on a shelf—today’s entrepreneurs need something faster, simpler, and more effective. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the Lean Canvas model and show how you can map your entire business strategy on a single page. This modern approach to business planning helps small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups identify gaps, clarify priorities, and adapt quickly in a constantly changing market.

We break down why traditional business plans often fail, how bloated documents bog down creativity, and why most founders never even revisit them after the first draft. Instead, we explore how Lean Canvas simplifies complex ideas into something visual, practical, and actionable—forcing you to answer tough questions about your customers, value proposition, and growth strategy.

Along the way, Mike and Blaine share personal stories about the pivots they’ve had to make in their own businesses, the sections of planning that always trip them up, and how stripping things down to the essentials leads to clearer thinking. If your strategy can’t fit on a napkin, maybe it’s not really a strategy at all.

Whether you’re starting your first business, rethinking your current strategy, or just curious about better tools for planning, this episode will give you insights on why business plans are outdated and how Lean Canvas can help you build a stronger foundation for growth.

#BusinessInnovation #LeanCanvas #StartupTips #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @buroakbrewing @polyrhythmbrewing

Mike: Bur Oak Brewing Company “Clyde’s Caramel Cream” Ale

Blaine: Polyrhythm “808” Irish Red

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRvjCrWfqkE

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Every business wants growth—but the real question is how to get it. Should you focus on winning new customers, or double down on the ones you already have? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into one of the biggest dilemmas entrepreneurs and small business owners face: scale wide or scale deep. It’s a battle of volume versus value, where every choice impacts margins, customer loyalty, and long-term sustainability.

We explore the pros and cons of each growth path, from the high-touch brilliance of serving fewer customers at a premium level, to the fast-and-furious race of chasing volume and discounts. Along the way, Mike and Blaine share stories of businesses that nailed their scaling strategy—and others that collapsed under the weight of choosing wrong. We’ll break down what happens when companies chase short-term sales at the cost of long-term profit, and how “ghosting margins” can kill growth before it ever takes root.

This episode isn’t just theory—it’s packed with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs weighing their next big move. Whether you’re trying to scale a boutique service, expand a retail brand, or grow a tech startup, you’ll learn how to identify which growth model makes sense for your business, your customers, and your bottom line.

#BusinessGrowth #ScalingChallenges #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessStrategy #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @eightyeightbrewco @cabinbrewingco

Mike: Neighbour Pat’s “Irish Red” Ale

Blaine: Cabin Brewing Company & Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. “Love in Stereo” Hazy DIPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/36tv7ONcTkE

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: 

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog 

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/