Big Stud Podcast

Hosted by Mike Claudio

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Nov 2025

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About the show

"Win Fast. Win Often"… that's what we do around here. Without all the fluff and bullshit. You know there's no magic pill. There's no shortcut. There's no, "you have can it all in 90 days with 3 easy payments of…" But you also know there are lessons you can learn from others who will help you avoid unnecessary pain, disappointment, and failure. Because at the end of the day, you know creating success is all on you. It's you, a mirror, and what you decide to do about it. That is why this podcast exists. You want greater levels of success in your life and you know there's a version of you that is worthy of playing at the championship level. Winning in your Family. Winning in your Business. Winning in your Wealth. Winning in your Health. You want to win. The Big Stud Podcast is for the road between where you are and where you want to be. A place for you to continually find inspiration as you become that CHAMPIONSHIP WORTHY version of yourself. Just because you're not where you want to be, doesn't mean you can't still WIN FAST and WIN OFTEN. We call it win-stacking: Micro-wins that keep your head in the game as you work towards the macro-wins of accomplishing your goals. You know creating success isn't easy. If it was, everyone would be successful. Look around. You know it and I know it. Most people aren't willing to put in the work. You know there will be pain. You know there will be struggles. You know you will fail over and over and over again. And there will be countless times you want to throw in the towel and question ALL OF IT. It's a challenge most people aren't willing to take on. But you're not like most people. Because you know there is a champion inside of you who wants to win. So come hang. You found your squad. Join host Mike Claudio and guests as they share powerful stories, lessons, and principles to help you become that Championship version of yourself. Every episode will be the shot in the arm, the kick in the ass, and the NO BS inspiration you need, to push through the fog and create the success you want in life.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 17, 20251 min

Thank you and Farewell

After nearly seven years, 600+ episodes, countless lessons, and thousands of listeners impacted, The Big Stud Podcast comes to a heartfelt close. In this final episode, Mike Claudio reflects on what this show has meant to him, the community it built, and the evolution that inspired this moment. Mike shares honest reflections about how the brand shaped his voice, his leadership, and his mission—while also acknowledging how he has grown beyond the "Big Stud" identity. This farewell is not an ending, but an elevation. Mike introduces his new podcast, Win Fast, Win Often, and explains why this next season requires a platform that reflects who he is today: a husband, father, leader, athlete, friend, and executive ready for deeper impact. This episode is a meaningful thank you to every listener, supporter, guest, and friend who helped make the Big Stud era unforgettable. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

September 9, 202548 min

Why Culture and Accountability Drive Billion-Dollar Growth w/ Michael Hoy

In this episode of The Big Stud Podcast, Mike Claudio sits down with Michael Hoy, Executive Vice Chair of Great Day Improvements, to unpack how a once-small patio enclosure business grew into a nearly $2 billion powerhouse with 9 brands, 300+ locations, and a footprint in over 110 U.S. markets. Hoy shares his leadership philosophy, data-driven approach, and legacy mindset that continue to fuel growth even at scale. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone navigating the challenges of scaling a team while staying true to core values. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

July 31, 20251 hr 3 min

We Have Something To Say About That Ep. 25 You Can't Lead a Business While Avoiding Your Emotions

In this episode, hosts Mike and Sam engage in a candid and vulnerable conversation about personal and professional challenges. They discuss the complexities of maintaining relationships, both in business and personal life, and the importance of communication and vulnerability. The episode delves into themes of self-awareness, emotional struggles, and the journey of personal growth. Mike and Sam share insights from their experiences with the Small Business Academy, the challenges of leadership, and the impact of expectations on relationships. They also touch on the significance of asking for help and the process of rewriting personal narratives. This episode offers a raw and honest look into the realities of balancing personal growth with professional responsibilities. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

July 30, 202541 min

What Happens When You Talk About Money First w/ Justin Hatcher

In this episode, Mike Claudio sits down with Justin Hatcher, founder of One & Fun and now part of One Click Contractor, to talk about one of the most underutilized growth tools in the home improvement industry: financing. Whether you're just starting to offer financing or you're struggling to close deals, this episode will shift your mindset and give you practical ways to use financing as a true sales weapon. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

July 24, 20251 hr 8 min

We Have Something To Say About That Ep. 24 - Doing What You Hate to Get What You Want

In this episode, Mike and Sam discuss the behind-the-scenes reality of running a business, producing content, and pushing through discomfort to achieve growth. The episode is recorded candidly in a hotel room during a work trip, adding a raw, unfiltered layer to the conversation. This episode is a raw, vulnerable, and honest reflection of what it really looks like to build a business from the inside. It offers insights into leadership, ego, performance pressure, and making bold changes quickly — all while balancing vision with reality. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

July 22, 202544 min

Real Leadership in a Family Business: How to Scale Without Losing Control w/ Vince Nardo

In this episode, Vince Nardo, President of Reborn Cabinets, shares the story of how the company grew from a small family-run business in 1983 to a $170–180 million powerhouse in the home remodeling industry. Vince unpacks the strategic shifts that fueled their growth, including the move to objective decision-making, the early adoption of custom technology, and the development of a resilient, values-driven culture. He also breaks down the unique challenges of leading a "family with a business" and offers powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and building a team that's all-in on the mission. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

July 17, 202543 min

We Have Something To Say About That Ep. 23 - Leading Through Burnout, Layoffs, and Uncertainty

In this brutally honest episode, Mike and Sam peel back the curtain on the emotional and operational challenges of running a business under pressure. From burning out on content creation to restructuring a sales team, they discuss what it takes to stay aligned with long-term vision—even when that means making uncomfortable decisions. This episode is a real-time reflection on profit discipline, leadership transitions, and how to push forward when everything feels heavy. Whether you're an entrepreneur facing burnout, a founder reevaluating your sales strategy, or a leader making painful cuts to stay alive, this episode offers raw insights, lessons learned, and hope for what's on the other side of hard. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio For guest inquiries: mike@bigstudpodcast.com Win Fast, Win Often

July 14, 202520 min

Me, Myself & a Mic Ep. 21 - Nothing Can Come Above The Mission, Including Your Emotions Around Hard Decisions….

Welcome to Me, Myself, and a Mic with Mike Claudio The podcast where contractors, home service professionals, and business owners get a real, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of growing a business. In each solo episode, Mike shares his personal experiences, business strategies, and hard-earned lessons learned along the way. From scaling your home service business to navigating life's ups and downs, Mike provides actionable insights that can help you level up both personally and professionally. Mike takes the mic solo, diving into topics such as: Business Growth Strategies – How to scale your contractor business effectively. Overcoming Business Challenges – Tips for managing obstacles in the home service industry. Leadership & Team Building – Leading a successful crew while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Personal Development – How personal growth and mindset impact business success. Contractor Tips & Insights – Real-world advice for contractors looking to improve their operations and profits. Whether you're looking to expand your home service business, improve your personal productivity, or learn from Mike's wins and failures, this podcast gives you the tools to keep pushing forward. Tune in every week for motivational stories, business advice, and valuable takeaways that you can apply directly to your own journey. Listen now and take the next step in growing your business and achieving success! Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often

June 30, 202517 min

Me, Myself & a Mic Ep. 20 - The Cost Of Free Time

June 26, 202556 min

We Have Something To Say About That Ep. 22 - Authenticity, Delegation, and the Cost of Avoidance in Business and Life

In this powerful and transparent episode, Mike and Sam pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a high-performance brand and business. They explore the real grind of content creation, leadership without burnout, building a personal brand that converts, and the emotional cost of avoiding hard conversations. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or leader looking to level up, this episode is packed with raw insight, tangible strategies, and authentic moments that will hit home. Follow us and leave a review: The Big Stud Podcast - BigStudPod.com WinRate Consulting - Winrateconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winrateconsulting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themikeclaudio Win Fast, Win Often