Episodes
207
June 26, 2024
Humor and Heart in Marriage 207
What happens when a weekend festival, eight years of marriage, and a viral moment collide? We're here to tell you all about it! This episode kicks off with a recap of our latest festival escapades and reflections on our journey together. We chat about the growth that comes from relationship struggles and how those uncomfortable conversations can actually bring us closer. And, of course, we can't help but laugh about the viral Hawk Tuah incident that had everyone talking. Ever wondered if someon...
206
June 19, 2024
Celebrating Community: Surprises, and Acts of Kindness 206
What if an unexpected gift could change the course of your week? Join us as we recount the whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and gratitude that unfolded during Bike Week and a surprise birthday celebration. From navigating the heat and hangovers to celebrating new and old friendships, we share personal anecdotes that highlight the value of camaraderie and the growth that comes through struggles. You'll hear about the heartwarming generosity of friends like Matt and Sarah Perkins, who surprised us...
205
June 12, 2024
Finding Growth in Uncomfortable Moments 205
What happens when your biggest event of the year takes an unexpected nosedive? Join me on today's Share the Struggle Podcast as I unpack the rollercoaster that was Laconia Bike Week at Bentley Saloon. Despite a disappointing start with attendance down and vendors seeing their sales cut in half, I find hope in the upcoming ride and tattoo contest that could turn things around. We'll dissect the impact of logistical hiccups and unpredictable weather, and I'll share my aspirations for future events...
204
June 5, 2024
Emphasizing Progress Over Perfection 204
Imagine taking on the overwhelming responsibilities of a late parent, juggling financial pressures, and supporting a pregnant wife—all while trying to keep a business afloat. This episode of Share the Struggle Podcast promises candid insights into how these daunting challenges can be met with resilience and optimism. Through personal stories and heartfelt anecdotes, we explore the transformative power of creating happiness from within and the importance of celebrating incremental progress, even ...
203
May 29, 2024
Transforming Worry into Creative Energy 203
What if embracing life's toughest challenges could be your greatest source of strength? Join us on this heartfelt episode of the Share the Struggle Podcast as we unpack the art of growing through adversity. With a mix of candid humor and musical improvisation, we dive into how uncomfortable conversations can build resilience and the importance of finding joy, even on the most exhausting days. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and find some valuable insights to uplift your spirit. Ever wondered how s...
202
May 22, 2024
Finding Happiness and Building Bonds in Life and Business 202
Have you ever found yourself pondering the true essence of happiness while navigating the ebbs and flows of life? This week, we unfurl the canvas of our lives, touching on the poignant reality of social isolation and the heartening embrace of community spirit. Join us as we recount the lessons and laughter from a weekend vendor event that proved to be more than a fair-weather friend, and the relationships that blossomed from the shared belief in our craft. We all know that family ties can be as...
201
May 15, 2024
Laughter, Loss, and the Lessons of Life's Transitions 201
As I sit down to share this episode with you, my heart is heavy with the tender reflections on the loss of my godfather, Big Al Spencer, yet it's also lightened by the joy of new beginnings as we navigate the complexities of personal growth and emotional healing, touching on the bittersweet realities that come with change. With the warmth of cherished family tales and the honesty of personal challenges, we journey through the highs and lows together, uncovering the strength in vulnerability and ...
200
May 8, 2024
The Courage to Reinvent 200
When life hurls us into its stormiest weather, where do we find our calm? This episode is a celebration, not just of our 200th time around the mic together, but of the raw, transformative journeys we've each undertaken. I'm opening up about the milestones and missteps, the shared wisdom from an insightful friend that's acted as a beacon through my darkest days. Here's to the stories that bind us, the shared human experience of facing life's tornadoes, and finding that center of quiet determinat...
199
May 1, 2024
From Joyous Expectations to a Voyage Through Vulnerability 199
When joyous news becomes a tapestry of complex emotions, it shakes the very foundation of our expectations. My heart laid bare, I recount the announcement that was supposed to herald happiness but instead became a catalyst for a profound exploration of vulnerability and the human spirit. We navigate the stormy seas of loss, healing, and the quest for wholeness, illuminated by the imminent arrival of baby Paisley. The poignant decision to intertwine the legacy of my late father within my son's na...
198
April 24, 2024
Embracing Life's Resistance 198
Join me as I share the comically painful on-air mishap that brings authenticity to our story, and how we're preparing for our own draft day style gender reveal - a personal milestone that interweaves with topics of fear, resistance, and the pursuit of the American dream. Resistance can be as subtle as a perfectionist's hesitation or a busy schedule but it's always there, shaping our decisions. In this episode, we peel back the layers of manufactured barriers that plague us all, from the entrepr...
197
April 17, 2024
With Humility Comes Wisdom 197
We're rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet to give you a transparent tour of the first Loud Proud American event of 2024. My wife and I are living proof that American dreams are woven from the threads of hard work, passion, and a sprinkle of madness. As we recount the setup shenanigans at Mohegan Sun, the electric first sale, and the highs and lows of a tattoo convention buzzing with Ink Master royalty, you're invited to peek behind the curtains of a vendor's life. Amidst the chaos, we ce...
196
April 10, 2024
Make Peace With It Or Make A Change 196
As I look back on the early days of Loud Proud American, the decision to soak in the New England Tattoo Expo as visitors, not vendors, stands out as a pivotal moment in our brand's story. It's these reflections on growth through adversity that shape our latest chat, where we peel back the layers of making tough choices when life throws us curveballs. From confronting perfectionism to the anticipation of our next big event at Mohegan, join me as we explore the essence of timing, preparedness, and...
195
April 3, 2024
Embracing New Beginnings Amidst Life's Complexities 195
Crackling with the raw emotion of life's most pivotal moments, this episode is a tapestry woven from threads of joy, struggle, and revelation. When my wife and I decided to reveal our pregnancy on our podcast, before even turning to family, it was more than an announcement—it was an invitation to our community to embark on this profound journey with us. As we gear up for the 200th episode, the anticipation of fatherhood courses through every word, echoing the poignant loss of my own father and t...
194
March 27, 2024
Emotional Journeys in Love and Loss With an Unexpected Joy 194
Embarking on life's journey often brings unexpected turns and heartfelt revelations, as beautifully captured in our latest podcast episode. My wife and I, open up about the raw complexities of navigating grief, the enchantment of spiritual connections, and the pure joy of new beginnings. A surprise road trip to Syracuse became a testament to the power of showing up for friends in mourning, and underscore our unbreakable bonds. The episode takes a tender turn, exploring the mysteries of the afte...
193
March 20, 2024
Journeys in Commerce and the Solace in Mourning 193
As we gather around for our 193rd heart-to-heart, prepare to embark on a journey that traverses the highs and lows of our collective experience. Celebrating our milestones together, we've witnessed a staggering growth spurt in our community—56% in streams, 43% in followers—proving that the threads of trust and communication in relationships are not just fabric for discussion, but the very tapestry of our connection. This week, we'll revisit those impactful conversations and the raw emotions that...
1952
March 13, 2024
Embracing Accountability: The Power of Our Choices 192
When we peel back the layers of curated perfection on social media, we're left with the raw reality of our choices and the importance of owning them. In this episode we delve into the heart of accountability, exploring its role as a crucial element that shapes our lives. From discussing the transformative power it holds in personal growth and relationships to recounting historical lessons about the impacts of our actions, this week's conversation is an ode to the courage and honesty required to ...
191
March 6, 2024
Gratitude and Growth: The American Dream 191
Gratitude takes center stage post an invigorating Florida trip to the Strawberry Fest. Our discussion wanders through the surprising ways relationships fuel both our personal development and business ventures, and I extend a special shoutout to friends for blending the lines between leisure and business in the most seamless way possible. In this chat, I muse on the stark reminder to always be ready for the unexpected, woven with stories of solo jaunts to a Yankees Spring Training game that boos...
190
Feb. 28, 2024
Seizing Ambition & Cultivating Connections 190
Embarking on a venture steeped in ambition, Matt Perkins from Ledgeway Farm and I set our sights on the vibrant Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. This episode is a tale of seizing chances and embracing the grind that shapes our aspirations. As we gear up to engage with the festival's swath of nearly 600,000 attendees, we unpack the essence of growing beyond transactions to cultivating lasting relationships with potential patrons, all while sprinkling our narrative with a dash of humor ...
189
Feb. 21, 2024
When Love Meets Business The Tightrope Of Marriage And Business 189
Ever found yourself mixing family life with the cutthroat world of business? Join us as my wife and I peel back the curtain on the rollercoaster ride of running a family-owned enterprise. With a blend of humor and honesty, we dissect the challenges that test our professional and personal bonds, from the heated debates over business decisions to the 2 AM bursts of inspiration that won't wait until morning. Expect a candid conversation about the thrills and spills of entrepreneurship and the growt...
188
Feb. 14, 2024
Life Is Full Of If's Conquering the What If? Syndrome 188
Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by the question what if? "What If?" Syndrome, is where every decision is haunted by the fear of what could go wrong? Our latest episode takes you on a journey through personal growth and the anxiety that can hold us back. We dive into heartfelt conversations, celebrating victories over adversity and the strength we can discover in our most trying times, all while sharing a laugh about the lighter moments that keep us grounded. Worry, a familiar yet destruc...
187
Feb. 7, 2024
Harmony In Hardship Life's True Priorities 187
The abrupt loss of Toby Keith hit a tender nerve, especially as it echoed the recent passing of my own father. Their departures serve as a poignant reminder that what truly counts isn't just our feats, but the depth of our relationships, our well-being, and our growth as individuals. This episode is a journey through the phases of life and how we allocate our time, guided by insights from a World Economic Forum study. As we navigate the evolving landscape of relationships from adolescence to ou...
186
Jan. 31, 2024
Value Progress Over Perfection 186
As we rally around this 186th episode of the Share the Struggle Podcast, I am brimming with gratitude for you, the backbone of this journey. Your unwavering support and feedback breathe life into our shared quest for growth, and I'm thrilled to extend a hearty welcome to our newest family members. Have you ever felt that electric charge in the air when you're surrounded by people who radiate success? That's precisely the jolt I experienced at a recent conference with the extraordinary entrepren...
185
Jan. 24, 2024
Transforming Ambitions into Achievements with Simple Habit Shifts 185
Ever find yourself in the throes of battling bad habits, feeling like each day is a tug of war with your willpower? You're not alone, and this episode is your field guide through the trenches. We kick things off by shedding light on the little-known strength found in the smallest of steps. It's about channeling the power of positive habits to craft the life you've always wanted – one bite-sized victory at a time. We navigate the often-misunderstood terrain of personal and professional satisfacti...
184
Jan. 17, 2024
Win The Habit Achieve The Goal 184
Life often feels like a series of relentless jabs, leaving us on the ropes, struggling to find our footing. But within this battle lies an untold strength, a hope that persists even as the punches land. I open up about the trials that seem to snowball, acknowledging that while the tough times may seem never-ending, they are flecked with valuable lessons. It's in this gritty reality we find ourselves, and it's here where the true test of character is met with a simple, yet powerful, affirmation: ...