The Pond Digger team is taking on the 75 HARD challenge. Eric motivates them by sharing his own experience with the challenge and inspiring them to join in.

In this episode, each team member shares their motivation for taking on 75 Hard — some want to get in shape for future goals like firefighting academy, while others want to be healthier role models for their kids. They discuss the physical and mental benefits of doing the 75 Hard and how challenging it is.

In this episode, they talk about:

• What is 75 Hard

• Eric's inspiration and experience for doing the 75 Hard challenge

• Motivations of team members to join the challenge and their transformation goals

• Rules of the challenge and prize for anyone who can last 75 days without failing

• The requirements of the 75 hard challenge

• The importance of the daily progress photos for seeing the real transformation

• Eric's struggles with weight loss and body image

• The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care

• Surrounding yourself with better people to become a better version of yourself

• Tips for staying on track during the challenge

• Continuing to work towards your goal after failing instead of starting over

• The role of personal motivation and self-accountability to reach your fitness goals

• Importance of reading, purpose, physical well-being, and relationships in personal growth

• Self-help books — Becoming a Better Man, 75 Hard, Extreme Ownership, etc

• Importance of self-judgement and self-preservation during the journey

• Balancing work and family life while doing the challenge

• Importance of 75 Hard in transforming one's character, body, mindset, and future

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Today's guest is Lora Lee Gelles, owner and editor of Pond Trade Magazine. Laura discusses the history of the magazine, how she took it over in 2013 without even having a pond herself at that time, some controversial articles Pond Trade Magazine has published over the years that caused controversy in the pond industry, and more.

In this episode, they talk about:

• The history of Pond Trade magazine and it's mission

• How Laura took Pond Trade magazine over without even having a pond

• Controversial articles they've published over the years

• How the magazine has evolved its digital and social media presence

• Article that Eric wrote for POND Trade magazine: Renaissance Pond Man

• Laura's pond journey and building her first pond a year after taking over

• How contractors can get a free subscription to the magazine

• How can pond hobbyists and newcomers subscribe to the magazine for $20/year

• Coming up with new ideas and information year after year for the magazine

• Challenges the magazine faces, like balancing perspectives from different companies

• About the Water Artisans of the Year award by POND trade

• How contractors and manufacturers can help to promote the magazine

• Impact of AI on content creation and article writing

Mentioned:

Lora's email: [email protected]

POND Trade Magazine Website

POND Trade Magazine on Facebook

Lora Lee Gelles on Facebook

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Are you struggling to generate leads and sales for your contracting business? Today's guest, Adam McChesney, shares the best digital marketing strategies that can help boost your business. Adam is a serial entrepreneur, a digital marketing and personal branding expert,

CEO at Builders of Authority and Hite Digital, and host of Entrebrewer podcast.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Adam's journey with digital marketing and personal branding

• Importance of social media for contractors for their local market

• Adam's experience in boosting client's business through digital marketing

• The importance of consistency in digital marketing, whether organic or paid

• Adam's ideal client profile to focus marketing efforts

• Tips for contractors to measure their ROI on digital marketing efforts

• Tracking ROI using call tracking platforms like WhatConverts

• Taking an all-in approach across organic and paid strategies on social media

• Current digital marketing trends like the rise of AI

• Using AI tools appropriately to create content without the risk of penalties

• Common mistakes contractors make with digital marketing

• Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur

• Adam's upcoming speaking opportunities for contractors

• Common sales mistakes contractors make without realizing

• Symptoms a contractor may need marketing help

• Tips for contractors to set proper marketing KPIs

Mentioned:

Adam McChesney Website

Adam McChesney (@adamlmcchesney) on Instagram

Hite Digital Website

Entrebrewer Podcast

Builders of Authority Facebook group

Links to resources:

Stop struggling with sales! Transform your business with Eric's FREE list of Contractor Sales Secrets and start moving in the right direction. Click here to download it: Contractor Sales Secrets

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

There are secrets to winning koi grow out contests, and Koi expert Shawn McHenry of Mystic Koi is here to share some of these secrets. Eric and Shawn discuss koi grow out contests, how these contests work, and how to select, grow, and prepare fish to their best potential for competition.

In this episode, they talk about:

• The history of koi grow out contest and what a koi grow out contest means

• Creating a level playing field for participants, regardless of their financial capacity

• How the judging process works at the contests

• What breeders get from participating in the competition

• The draft/selection process for buying new fish at the contests

• Tips for choosing the right fish — things to look for like head size, body structure, color, behavior, etc

• Optimal growing conditions like tank size, water temperature, feeding schedule

• Tips for maximizing growth like stocking density, water changes, fasting before shows

• Shawn's experience with koi grow out contests

• Typical growth rates for contest fish versus regular pond fish

• Growth expectations between more expensive jumbo contest fish and cheaper typical pond fish

• Finishing techniques like potassium baths right before shows

• Common mistakes like overfeeding that lead to poor color/condition

• Advice for underdog hobbyists looking to improve

• Typical pond/water conditions for contest fish versus regular home pond fish

• News on upcoming koi breeding contests

Mentioned:

Mystic Koi & Water Gardens Website

Mystic Koi & Shawn McHenry - YouTube

Shawn McHenry (@shawnisfun) on Instagram

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Today, Eric dives into the colorful world of cichlids with guest Brandon Blombquist. Brandon is the owner of West Coast Cichlid Supplies, a cichlid breeding and sales business in Southern California. Brandon shares how he turned his longtime hobby for cichlid into a thriving business.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Story of how Eric and Brandon met

• Why Brandon decided to pursue cichlids as a business instead of just a hobby

• Brandon's experience of buying his first cichlid breeder stock

• Orange blotch peacock cichlids could breed with many other species

• Eric and Brandon's approaches to cichlid keeping

• Brandon's journey of organically growing his Instagram following

• The difference in audience for aquariums vs ponds in social media

• Choosing which cichlid species to breed from Lake Malawi and Tanganyika

• Brandon's process of researching and studying to learn about cichlid

• Story of Brandon's daughter Mia's passion for the fish business at just 10 years old

• Brandon's new 2,400-square-foot fish room

• Sales and marketing strategies for a fish-related business

• How focusing on colorful cichlids attracts people looking for challenging fish species

• How having a PetSmart location nearby can help people get interested in fish hobby

Mentioned:

West Coast Cichlid Supply LLC Website

West Coast Cichlid Supply LLC (@westcoastcichlidsupply) on Instagram

West coast cichlid supply on Facebook

(@westcoastcichlidsupply) on TikTok

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you're looking for something unique to add to your aquarium, how about adding an aquatic snake? Many aquatic snake species can thrive in aquariums with compatible fish species. Today's guest is Myke Clarkson, a reptile expert who's making efforts to make aquatic snakes become accessible display animals. Myke also works with Herpetological Conservation International to conserve reptiles.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Mike's background and how he became interested in reptiles and aquatic snakes

• Monitoring vitamin B1 levels to prevent neurological system breakdown in snakes

• The importance of monitoring shrimp in aquatic habitats

• Challenges of keeping aquatic snakes compared to terrestrial snakes

• Ethical considerations for keeping exotic animals in captivity

• HSCs and PETA's take on the value of exotic pet ownership

• Tank requirements of aquatic snakes

• Fishes compatible with aquatic snakes

• The distinction between venomous and poisonous snakes

• Myke's experience of studying aquatic snakes in Indonesia

• Strategies to replicate the natural environment of snakes in an aquarium

• Keeping tanks crystal clear vs. allowing some color and imperfection from tannins

• Having a successful career in TV/entertainment while also doing scientific research

• The importance of replicating natural environments in aquariums

• Experimentation and breeding techniques for various snake species

• Myke's goal to create country-specific biotope aquariums and ponds

• The shedding process of aquatic snakes

Mentioned:

Myke Clarkson on Facebook

Myke Clarkson (@mykeclarkson) on Instagram

Herpetological Conservation International Website

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

After a four-year hiatus from YouTube, The Pond Digger is finally making a comeback. Eric sits down with the person who is helping him to return to YouTube – independent filmmaker Joe Betancourt. They discuss their creative plans together for YouTube, how their collaboration came to be and where it's headed.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why did Eric stop posting to YouTube four years ago

• What motivated Eric to return to YouTube

• How Eric and Joe connected

• Joe's journey from UPS driver to self-taught filmmaker

• Joe's experience of producing his first feature film, "Killer BBQ"

• The challenges of making a movie on a low budget

• The importance of storytelling over production value

• Building up a backlog of YouTube videos before posting them regularly

• Focusing on quality long-form content that will stand the test of time

• Eric and Joe's shared passion for storytelling and filmmaking

• Eric's experience running a YouTube channel for years

• What viewers can expect from the comeback

Mentioned:

Joe Betancourt (@newcourtstudios) on Instagram

Joe Betancourt - IMDb

Watch Killer BBQ (2019) on Tubi

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Today Eric takes us on a trip down memory lane with his longtime friend and colleague Kathy Jo. The two discuss the origin story of this episode's title and share the value of actively working at creating meaningful memories with friends and family that will stand the test of time.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why did Kathy said "I hope you die before I do" to Eric years ago

• Impact of a memorial Eric attended for a former client that made him realize the importance of creating memories

• Eric's plan to do the four-by-four bike challenge as an intentional memory-building experience

• Fun memories Eric and Kathy have made together over the years

• Jesse Itzler's influence on Eric to have a monumental challenge each year

• How events like fishing trips help the pond construction crews bond outside of work

• Eric shares a recent meaningful memory around a campfire with the crew on his birthday

• Impact of small efforts over many years to build rich memories together

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Today's guest, Dustin Wunderlich, is a strong proponent of using dirt in aquariums to achieve explosive plant growth. In this episode, Dustin shares the origins of this unconventional approach of using nutrient-rich dirt in aquariums and why it works so well for getting lush plants.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Dustin's journey with aquatics and entrepreneurship

• The importance of lighting and the different wavelengths it provides for plant growth

• Using organic potting soil or dirt in aquariums and ponds

• How do dirt substances greatly increase plant growth compared to gravel

• The importance of research and understanding for aquarium maintenance and growth

• Fishless aquarium cycling

• If moss is tied to driftwood, will it spread to cover the substrate as well, and how fast does it grow

• Are crayfish a good crustacean for ponds, and are other freshwater clams better suited for rivers/large lakes

• Pros and cons of ponds that include plants vs. Japanese mud ponds

• If CO2 is absorbed through plant roots in dirted tanks, is a planted tank better with or without fish/CO2 added

Mentioned:

[email protected]

Dustin's Fish Tank Website

Dustin's Fish Tanks - YouTube

Dustin's FishTanks on Facebook

Dustin's FishTanks (@dustinsfishtanks) on TikTok

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Stonework is not just a practical feature in ponds. It gives a decorative touch and makes the pond a more attractive part of your garden. Today's guest, Graham Waleryszak, is a stone artist known for his unique approach to stonework that blends function and creativity. He discusses how stonework can also serve as a visual work of art beyond being functional structures.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Graham's journey of learning masonry and developing his unique artistic style

• The concept of repurposing scrap for unique and original creations

• The challenges of working with different types of stone

• Graham's approach to stone arrangements

• The importance of finding the right balance between artistry and efficiency

• The connection between stone artistry and pond building

• Using stone arrangements to highlight natural features

• Eric and Graham's experiences in learning to satisfy customers who value both aesthetics and practicality in their projects

• Techniques for splitting and working with stone

• Using old stones from old walls in new stonework

• Finding the right shaped stone vs. spending hours chiseling each one

• Aging and weathering of stone over time and its effects

• Building stone walls for functionality vs just aesthetics

• Building below water level in ponds — how much joint work is needed

• Using mossy stones to ag the appearance of new stonework

Mentioned:

Graham Waleryszak's Website Drinkwater Studios

Graham Waleryszak (@instagrahamski) on Instagram

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok