Join us for part 1 of our 3 part saga exploring the life and professional lessons we can gather from the original Star Wars films.

We also break down why trusting your training, leaning on the right people, and staying open to unexpected paths matters more than chasing some perfect, fearless version of yourself.

You don’t need a secret weapon to blow up a deathstar. You need to trust the reps you’ve already put in and move forward because something is worth doing, not because you’re being chased into it.

In this episode we explore how early success and confidence can quietly replace curiosity, creating an "expert beginner" or local maximum where growth stalls. From our natural knacks that get in the way to COVID-era reinvention, we breakdown how comfort and routine can become a hidden plateau.

Hear practical ways to break out: model people ahead of you, deliberately return to beginner mode, and redefine success so you keep experimenting and embracing discomfort instead of settling.

In this episode we explore why people avoid bold moves and how to start doing spicier things in life and business.

We talk our go-to practical steps (finding unexpected inspiration, generating seven intentionally stupid ideas, involve supportive people.) We hope listeners will embrace big moves without getting paralyzed by fear or habit.

In this episode of The Bounce Rate we explore how businesses with long purchase cycles (your realtors, your urgent care clinics, your mattress sellers.) We discuss why it's important to stay visible when customers only buy every few years. From displaying neighborhood expertise, unique signage, and medical upsells, we highlight the challenges of low-frequency buying and the mortgage lock that slows housing turnover.

In this episode, we "expertly" use a chemistry metaphor to break down the elements of local business. Compounds such as compliance, production, location, distribution, advertising, and customer relationships make crucial (and sometimes volatile) reactions. No single element guarantees success.

This episode of The Bounce Rate dives into Valentine's Day: the commercialization, the loyalty, and the relationships with local business. Is there a more romantic medium than email and SMS marketing? We'll find out!

In this special Superbowl episode, football becomes a metaphor for local business, (because of course it does.) Our hosts argue that systems and teamwork can matter more than raw talent, whether you’re running a company or trying not to implode in the fourth quarter. Franchises are discussed as a tempting shortcut for small business owners who’d rather buy a playbook than write one themselves. Along the way, we debate the true reason for the hype (the game vs. the commercials) and much more.

Failure gets a bad rap.

In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we look at failure from a few different angles: as a teacher, as a measuring stick, and as an unavoidable part of doing literally anything worthwhile. Sometimes a mistake is the thing that makes progress finally visible. Sometimes it’s just a face-plant you have to stand up from and keep moving.

Along the way, we spiral through cruise-ship ice show disasters, early eBay misadventures, the emotional math of online dating, and somehow Shakespeare (obviously.)

If you’ve NEVER failed at anything in your life...this episode is NOT for you. 

Eric Schaefer hosts today with James and Roger as they break down gym marketing in the new year, exploring what actually gets people to join and stay: convenience (parking and hours), cleanliness, class vs. facility models, and the power of relationships and retention.

What offers actually work? Day passes, intro sessions, and low-risk memberships? And how do big-box brands compare to boutique studios. We'll talk practical marketing choices (emphasizing differentiation over discounts) and the need to test what works locally.

Let's kick off 2026 with a sincere Batman apology, some resolutions that are defitely happening, and some solid guidance for local businesses in the coming year.

Take bigger risks with creative and ad spend, listen to and learn from customers (including speaking to non-English audiences), and get obsessed with metrics to grow leads and impact in the new year.