Sometimes, running a business is like taking a nice leisurely trip down a relaxing river. The current pulls you forward, there's not an obstacle in sight, and everything seems to be going your way and you can do no wrong.And sometimes running a business is like going down that same river except now there's a category 5 hurricane in the area and as you desperately hold on for dear life you become pretty certain that you're going to die in a horrible canoe accident.

In this week's episode, Ryan and Connor discuss the current government shutdown and what that means for both small business owners and individuals. They also discuss the difference between the purpose of government and business, taxes versus revenue, and the different ways the government can hit a shutdown.

Running a small business is hard, don't let these mistakes make your life even harder.

This week's episode is all about the Fed. Recorded before we knew for certain that the Fed would cut rates yet with the certainty that the markets felt about the rate cut, Ryan and Connor discuss what it actually means that the Fed cut rates, what the Fed actually is, and also how Robinhood futures contracts work.

Why do smart companies make chaotic brand moves—and why do some “investors” treat markets like a casino? In this episode, Connor Malatesta and Ryan Bannister break down the Cracker Barrel branding dust-up, the consultant hamster wheel, and how quarterly pressure turns strategy into… a bet. Then we follow the thread to Robinhood and the rise of “push-button” gambling, asking what long-term thinking actually looks like in 2025.

In tis episode, Connor and Ryan discuss the challenges and importance of implementing change in business. They reflect on their experiences with guests, the value of learning from others, and the dynamics of change in small teams. There is no perfect time to make changes, and that fear of change can often hold business owners back. They explore the importance of identifying real problems, the iterative process of change, and the role of accountability in following through on decisions. Ultimately, this episode serves as a call to action for you to take ownership of your business and not wait for the perfect moment.

This week's episode is an interview with Nick Dowgul, licensed attorney in North Carolina and the owner of North State Law. We always want to get the perspective of other business owners so we thought we'd bring in another licensed professional to share his story of starting his firm from scratch.

Once your business is up, running, and successful, many entrepreneurs feel the call to start on their next endeavor. In this week's episode, Ryan and Connor discuss what they have seen their clients do, their perspective on internal versus external investment, and their plans for the future.

What is sales but a negotiation? What is international diplomacy but negotiation? What is life but a negotiation with God?

This episode is anything but the negotiation "tactics" we all hear incessantly. Connor and Ryan give their (unconventional) takes on negotiations in business, international law & economics, and everyday life.

With Ryan out of commission sick, Connor takes it upon himself to rant about AI.