Share The Struggle

The brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk has left America reeling, forcing us to confront the devastating reality of political violence in our nation. In this raw, emotional episode, we process this tragedy together, examining not just what happened, but what it means for our collective future.

Charlie Kirk embodied something rare in today's political landscape—a willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints. His "prove me wrong" approach gave a platform to those who disagreed with him most, creating spaces for genuine debate rather than echo chambers. This openness made him not just influential, but dangerous to those who couldn't defend their positions when challenged with facts and reason.

We don't shy away from hard truths in this conversation. We examine the responsibility social media platforms bear for allowing graphic videos to spread unchecked, while mainstream media personalities and politicians who label opponents as "fascists" and "Hitler" create an environment where violence becomes inevitable. The statistics are chilling—studies show alarming percentages of respondents supporting political assassination as acceptable.

Yet amid the darkness, we find light in Erica Kirk's extraordinary response. Her powerful speech, delivered with grace and strength just days after losing her husband, has already inspired 37,000 new requests to start Turning Point chapters nationwide. She isn't just continuing Charlie's work—she's amplifying it, turning tragedy into powerful momentum for the values he championed.

As we navigate these troubled waters together, we return to one of Charlie's most profound pieces of wisdom: "When the world seems crazy, unplug. Put your phone away, turn off the TV, get back to what's important—embrace your faith and family." In a world increasingly defined by division, perhaps this simple advice offers the path toward healing our fractured nation.

Join us for this important conversation about where America stands at this critical turning point, and how we might honor Charlie Kirk's legacy by choosing unity over division, faith over fear, and love over hate.

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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

Life gets hectic at the Liberty household as we prepare for Fryeburg Fair, work weddings, and navigate a major career change that could transform our family's work-life balance.

• Fryeburg Fair approaches with significant business preparation, requiring us to bring in about 2,000 items in the coming weeks
• We successfully DJed Jake and Sage's wedding despite last-minute challenges and an unexpectedly quick ceremony
• Sometimes taking a break from overwhelming tasks—like mowing a section of lawn—can help reset your mind when you're feeling stuck
• Major workplace change announced as my wife's employer offers permanent work-from-home opportunity after she voiced her unhappiness
• Transitioning from patient care to work-from-home creates culture shock but offers benefits for family time and business flexibility
• Creating structure and routine is essential when adapting to major life changes
• Tony Robbins wisdom reminds us we overestimate what we can accomplish in a year but underestimate what we can achieve in decades

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

We celebrate our daughter's first birthday while reflecting on a challenging yet rewarding year at Windsor Fair and the struggles that shape our entrepreneurial journey. The road isn't always smooth, but finding joy and purpose through difficulties has become our greatest strength.

• Overcoming bus mechanical failures with the help of "redneck mechanics" who found creative solutions when we needed them most
• Navigating the financial ups and downs of Windsor Fair, including weather challenges and unexpectedly strong weekend sales
• Celebrating our daughter's first birthday at the fair with our extended "fair family" who showered her with love and gifts
• Recognizing how parenthood provides perspective and motivation during business struggles
• Reflecting on the special moments, including a bald eagle sighting on our daughter's birthday – a sign from family watching over us
• Acknowledging that both business and parenting involve constant adaptation and problem-solving
• Finding purpose in creating experiences and memories rather than focusing solely on financial outcomes
• Appreciating how our daughter is developing amazing social skills from her unique upbringing

Keep following our journey as we head to Fryeburg Fair, our biggest event of the year, continuing to build our brand while raising our little girl.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

The struggle is real, but so is the strength that emerges from it. This raw, unfiltered episode takes you behind the scenes of entrepreneurship when everything that can go wrong, does.

Windsor Fair season brings both celebration and chaos as we mark my daughter Paisley's first birthday while simultaneously dealing with our third consecutive year of vehicle disasters at this event. The bus is leaking brake fluid faster than I thought possible, the shifter linkage disconnected, and we're stranded at the fairgrounds with inventory to move and a business to run.

Production nightmares preceded our arrival when vendors missed deadlines and shipping companies split orders, forcing late nights and impossible schedules. Upon arrival, we discovered our vendor location had been moved, reinforcing that age-old business wisdom that location truly is everything when you're selling at fairs.

What's remarkable isn't just the string of challenges – it's the resilience that develops when facing them repeatedly. The all-female crew of my mother, wife, and baby daughter are currently running our booth while I handle production and repairs, proving that family businesses survive through adaptability and teamwork.

Despite everything, opening day sales nearly doubled compared to last year, reinforcing my belief that sometimes the universe tests us most severely right before breakthrough moments. When you've reached the point where your back is against the wall, sometimes all that's left is faith that this too shall pass.

Whether you're an entrepreneur facing similar challenges or just someone who appreciates authentic stories of perseverance, this episode reminds us all that finding strength in struggle isn't just motivational poster material – it's the daily reality for those building something meaningful against the odds.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

Ever feel like you're putting everything into your business only to fall short of expectations? That's exactly where I found myself at the Skowhegan Fair this year. After days of watching people walk past my booth, enduring stretches of 5-6 hours without a single sale, I had to make a critical mental shift that entrepreneurs rarely talk about: redefining what success looks like mid-journey.

When my original sales goals became clearly unattainable, I set new targets that would still represent meaningful progress rather than defeat. Fighting for every sale, I managed to hit my adjusted goal by exactly $50 in the final minutes of the fair's last day. This wasn't the triumph I'd initially imagined, but it taught me something profound about entrepreneurial resilience.

The most valuable outcome wasn't financial at all, but the people I met – particularly Isaiah, an 18-year-old with exceptional work ethic who approached business with remarkable discipline. "For every hour I spend having fun," he told me, "I'll do one thing I don't want to do to build my business." His perspective was exactly the inspiration I needed while navigating my own challenges.

As I prepare for the Windsor Fair and eventually Fryeburg (my season's biggest event), I'm facing serious inventory challenges and supplier delays. I've had to make tough decisions, including canceling a planned event to better position myself for success where it matters most. These choices reflect a maturing business perspective – understanding that courage isn't making one dramatic leap but taking consistent small steps forward despite fear and uncertainty.

If you're fighting for your own business dreams right now, remember that perseverance often looks less like heroic victories and more like quiet determination to simply take the next step. Check out our American-made products at loudproudamerican.com and share your own entrepreneurial journey with us on social media!

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

Sometimes the hardest moments reveal our greatest blessings. From the comfort of my wife's camper instead of the school bus I planned to sleep in, this episode takes you on the raw, unfiltered journey of a small business owner fighting for survival at the Skowhegan State Fair.

What does it feel like to open your booth in 95-degree heat, wait five hours for your first sale, and end a 10-hour day with just $120 in your pocket? I'm holding nothing back as I share the mental battle between the demon whispering "give up" and the angel reminding me why I started. Every entrepreneur knows this struggle—watching your savings dwindle while bills pile up and wondering if you're crazy for believing in your dream.

But amidst this struggle, unexpected blessings emerge. Friends driving hours to transport my camper without being asked. My 18-year-old new friend Isaiah working the night shift at a dairy farm, then volunteering at my booth during the day. When a young man with a severe cut stumbles through the fairgrounds, Isaiah's EMT training proves more valuable than the actual first responders who arrive late and unhelpful.

This episode evolved in real-time over two recording sessions, allowing you to hear my optimism in the morning transform into raw vulnerability by day's end. It's the most transparent I've ever been about my faith, my fears, and the divine timing that keeps me going when logic says quit.

If you're facing your own seemingly impossible challenge, or if you've ever wondered what keeps a small business owner fighting when the numbers don't add up, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear today. Sometimes the village that supports your dream becomes the greatest blessing of all.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

We explore the transformative impact of appreciation in both personal and professional settings while preparing for a new adventure at the Skowhegan Fair.

• Appreciation makes a significant difference in how we feel about our work and relationships 
• A stark contrast between DJing at an unappreciative biker bar versus a 9-year-old's birthday party
• Living in a school bus for 11 days at Skowhegan Fair while missing family milestones
• The "crunch season" of running back-to-back fairs and managing inventory/finances
• When employees feel valued, they're more motivated to perform and go the extra mile
• Appreciation strengthens bonds, improves communication, and reduces conflict
• Expressing gratitude helps build resilience during difficult times
• First-time events often yield first-time results, but create foundation for future growth

If you want to show your appreciation for the podcast, please share this show with someone you know. Help it blossom, help it grow!

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

Faced with balancing career and family, DJ Keith makes a life-changing decision to step away from his longtime gig at Bentley Saloon to focus on fatherhood and more profitable ventures.

• Reflecting on a successful final "Mullets and Daisy Dukes" night with strong crowd participation
• Struggling with staff tensions around playing past the scheduled 11 PM end time 
• Entertaining an enthusiastic bachelorette party that inspired extending the night
• Delivering an unplanned, emotional farewell speech announcing retirement from bar DJ work
• Facing mixed reactions - support from those present versus misinterpreted rumors after
• Choosing to prioritize time with 10-month-old daughter Paisley over late-night gigs
• Maintaining wedding and event bookings that offer better compensation for less time
• Having a reconciliatory conversation with venue management after the announcement
• Reflecting on the balance between good parenting decisions and professional business practices

I need your help deciding: Was my impromptu retirement announcement good parenting or bad business? Share your thoughts with me and let me know what you would have done in my shoes.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Loud Proud American YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYQtOt6KVURuySWYQ2GWtw

Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

The journey to Syracuse Nationals wasn't just another road trip – it was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity for Loud Proud American. What began with a production nightmare when our custom racing t-shirt design arrived completely wrong quickly cascaded into a series of challenges that would test our limits.

Picture this: six hours on the road in 100-degree heat with a temperamental air conditioner that alternated between cool and hot air every 20 minutes. Our 10-month-old daughter experiencing her longest journey yet in our converted school bus. Then suddenly, a rough patch of Massachusetts highway sends our entire merchandise display crashing down, with clothes and products flying with every bump thereafter. This was just the beginning.

Upon arrival, the hospitality of Paisley's godparents Lance and Jen became our saving grace. Their unwavering support, along with our entire Syracuse family, created moments of joy amidst the chaos. But business challenges continued as powerful winds turned our setup day into a battle against the elements, and our booth location kept us isolated from the main flow of foot traffic at this massive event.

Yet within disappointment lies opportunity. During slower periods, I discovered a vendor using a souvenir trailer that sparked a vision for expanding our business model. Despite not meeting our financial expectations, we still made money, gained invaluable experience, and set ourselves up for greater success next year. Most importantly, we created precious memories with our daughter while pursuing our entrepreneurial dreams.

The hard truth I've learned is that your first attempt at anything in business is often your worst. But rather than being discouraged, I've returned home more determined than ever – already securing another new event opportunity before even recording this podcast. This will be our most uncomfortable year yet, but discomfort breeds growth, and I'm steadfast in my belief that pushing beyond our limits will ultimately lead to breakthrough success.

What challenges are you facing in pursuit of your dreams? Remember, tough times come, but tough times pass. Don't let distractions derail you from your direction.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

Resilient optimism isn't just a trendy concept—it's the beating heart of entrepreneurship. After exploring this powerful mindset last week, we immediately faced the perfect opportunity to put it into practice at our first fair of the season. 

The results? A much-needed victory that confirmed we're trending in the right direction after a challenging start to the year. Every single day of our four-day event outperformed its counterpart from last year, and our brand-new "Midnight Hammer" t-shirt design debuted with such success that people throughout the fairgrounds were stopping each other to ask where they got their shirts.

Behind this success lies the complicated reality all small business owners understand—the constant juggling of production demands, inventory management, and cash flow challenges. From the irony of needing credit card sales for next-day inventory purchases (and receiving only cash), to vehicle troubles appearing just before a major road trip, the obstacles never stop coming. What makes this journey sustainable isn't the absence of problems; it's the support system and mindset that helps us overcome them.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of this particular fair was the emotional journey it represented. Standing at the same fairgrounds where I spent my childhood watching my father and uncles race, now without them but with my own daughter experiencing it for the first time, created a powerful connection between past and present. There's something humbling about watching other families live out what was once your childhood, realizing that the people who were fixtures of that place are largely forgotten by the current generation.

Despite the challenges, we're expanding into new markets, taking risks on events outside our comfort zone, and seeing the results in growing sales figures. Most importantly, we received the best news possible—my daughter's clean bill of health from her neurologist after our frightening hospital stay months ago. This reminder of what truly matters puts all business challenges into perspective.

Want to support small businesses creating American-made products with purpose? Follow our journey, check out our designs, and remember that everyone struggles—the difference is whether you choose to go through it or grow through it.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Loud Proud American YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYQtOt6KVURuySWYQ2GWtw

Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!