B*U Live

Hosted by C47 Film Associates

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Aug 2026

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About the show

B*U Live (formerly Bootstrapped Unicorns ) brings together founders, operators, and business leaders for honest, unscripted conversations about what it really takes to build a business. No polished pitches or rehearsed talking points, just real people sharing practical insights, hard-earned lessons, and perspectives you can apply to your own journey. Whether you're scaling a company, solving tough challenges, or looking to learn from others in the trenches, B*U Live delivers authentic conversations that go beyond traditional networking. B*U Live is part of the B*U Business Podcast Network , a collection of shows dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business leaders grow through meaningful conversations and actionable insights. Learn more at thebusinesspodcastnetwork.com .

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60 recent

August 20, 202633 min

Why Most Real Estate Agents Fail to Build a Real Business

What separates a real estate agent who does a few transactions from someone who builds a real business that lasts? Josh Pies sits down with Amanda Wood and Kim Griffin of Builders Concierge Group to talk about consistency, treating real estate like a business, building the right team, avoiding burnout, and creating a unique niche in new construction. Amanda and Kim also share the powerful mindset that drives their business: “Don’t just be a messenger, be a translator.” Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, sales, or business, this conversation is packed with lessons on professionalism, client service, business growth, and building for the long term. 🎙 Guests: 👉Amanda Wood https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wood-10693573/ 👉Kim Griffin https://www.instagram.com/kim_therealtor/ 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:20 Market statistics and the reality of real estate transactions 03:00 The mindset of consistency and daily planning 04:14 The importance of understanding client and industry priorities 05:17 Defining professionalism beyond licensing 06:41 The business model of Builders Concierge Group 08:09 Niche development and specialization in real estate 09:53 The translation role in client communication 11:17 Handling stress and client dissent effectively 12:17 Project management analogy with the night manager concept 13:38 How their business evolved and lessons learned 17:18 Teamwork and avoiding burnout 22:54 Overcoming business ups and downs 30:48 Closing thoughts and show promotion Subscribe to BU Live for more real conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals building businesses that matter. #RealEstate #RealEstateAgent #Entrepreneurship #NewConstruction #BusinessGrowth #BULive

August 6, 202645 min

The Biggest Lie Entrepreneurs Still Believe

Most entrepreneurs think building a successful business requires sacrificing their family, health, and personal life. But what if that's the biggest lie we've been told? In this episode of BU Live , Josh Pies sits down with attorney and business coach Jordan Ostroff and creative entrepreneur Aaron Powell to challenge the hustle culture mindset. Together, they share practical strategies for building a thriving business while protecting what matters most—your family, your time, and yourself. Whether you're a founder, small business owner, freelancer, or parent trying to build something meaningful, this conversation will challenge how you think about success—and what it's really costing you. 🎙 Guests: 👉Aaron Powell, https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwpowell/ 👉Jordan Ostroff https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanostroff/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:00 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life 04:01 Involving Children in Business and Networking 08:00 Designing a Life with Intentionality 11:57 Handling Distractions and Maintaining Focus 15:49 Networking Through Family and Playdates 19:52 Setting Boundaries and Respecting Time 24:03 The Value of Authenticity and Self-Identity 27:53 Optimizing Work Hours and Productivity Pockets 35:51 Pricing, Value, and Client Relationships 39:51 Redefining Success and Avoiding Hustle Culture 46:59 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Parents 49:03 Professional Backgrounds and How They Help 49:58 Closing Remarks and Contact Information If this episode helped you rethink entrepreneurship, subscribe for more honest conversations with founders, operators, and business leaders who are building businesses the hard way. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #FounderLife #BusinessGrowth

June 18, 202639 min

Can “Taste” Be Taught? A Book Publisher & Whiskey Maker Debate Intuition vs Data

What actually makes someone good at building things people love? In this BU Live conversation, publishing veteran Marji Ross and master blender Brandon McCraney break down one of the most overlooked business skills: taste. From bestselling books to handcrafted whiskey, the discussion explores whether intuition is something you’re born with or something you build through reps, feedback, and real-world exposure. Hosted by Josh Pies , this episode dives into how audience understanding, gut instinct, and iteration shape every successful brand. Key Topics ✅ Can intuition be learned or trained? ✅ The role of feedback loops in business growth ✅ Creative leadership in publishing and distilling 🎙 Guests: 👉Brandon McCraney, Founder of Master Blender at Olde Raleigh Distillery https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmccraney/ 👉Marji Ross, Principal at Marji Ross Consulting LLC https://www.linkedin.com/in/marji-ross-5065913/ 00:00 Introduction to BU Live and Hosts 02:59 Masters of Taste: Understanding Audience Preferences 07:48 The Feedback Loop: Learning from Audience Reactions 10:38 Gut Instincts: The Evolution of Intuition in Business 16:29 Navigating Controversy: Provocative Content in Publishing 18:17 Experimentation in Craft: The Thousand Blends Project 22:00 The Importance of Consumer Focus 23:05 Trusting Yourself: A Journey 27:52 Taking the Leap: Starting Your Own Business 30:11 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19 32:18 Recommendations: Books and Beverages If this conversation resonated with you, share it with another entrepreneur or business leader who believes relationships still matter. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. What’s one business relationship that changed your life? #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BrandBuilding #LeadershipMindset #Startups #WhiskeyCulture #PublishingIndustry #BusinessStrategy #FounderLife #BUlive

June 11, 202642 min

Why Human Connection Still Beats AI in Business

What happens when a business leader from the beverage industry sits down to talk about entrepreneurship, loneliness, AI, hospitality, and why the best business deals still happen face-to-face? In this episode of BU Live, Josh Pies sits down with Jen Hauke, CEO of Draftline Technologies and host of the Thirsty Business Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about building relationships in a world increasingly dominated by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence. From the future of draft beer and hospitality to the collapse of human connection after the pandemic, this conversation explores why community, shared experiences, and real conversations matter more than ever. Jen shares lessons from growing a company in a highly specialized niche, what she’s seeing across the economy, how business leaders are adapting to uncertainty, and why breaking bread with people is still one of the most powerful forms of networking. This episode is about more than beer. It’s about the future of human interaction itself. Key Topics ✅ Impact of AI and technology on business ✅ Importance of face-to-face interactions and relationships ✅ Insights into the beverage industry and market trends 🎙 Guests: 👉Jen Hauke, Founder of DraftLine Technologies and host of Thirsty Business Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hauke-2281a38/ 🎙️ Thirsty Business Podcast https://thirstybusinesspodcast.com 🍺 Draftline Technologies https://draftlinetech.com 00:00 Introduction to BU Live and Jen Hauke 03:04 The Thirsty Business Podcast and Family Legacy 05:52 Understanding Draftline Technologies and Its Impact 09:09 The Importance of Social Interaction Post-Pandemic 11:54 Consumer Trends in the Beverage Industry 15:00 Inversion Thinking and Problem Solving 17:59 Navigating Economic Uncertainty 21:49 Navigating Economic Challenges and Opportunities 24:47 The Impact of AI on Business Dynamics 29:44 Market Insights and Industry Trends 34:35 Building Relationships Through Meaningful Interactions If this conversation resonated with you, share it with another entrepreneur or business leader who believes relationships still matter. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. What’s one business relationship that changed your life? #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #AI #HumanConnection #Hospitality #BeerIndustry #BusinessGrowth #Networking #BUlive

May 14, 202646 min

Can Burger King Save Its Brand? Smart People Debate the Comeback

What makes some people completely freeze under pressure… while others seem to perform even better when things get chaotic? In this live episode of B*U Live, we got into a real conversation about pressure, preparation, branding, business, media, entrepreneurship, and the moments that force you to think fast in real time. What started as a conversation about Burger King trying to reinvent its image turned into a much bigger discussion about how perception shapes everything, from business and social media to jury trials, live broadcasting, and leadership. We talked about: ✅Why perception is reality in modern business ✅Whether brands can actually recover after losing trust ✅How social media can destroy or revive a company overnight ✅Why confidence usually comes from preparation ✅The difference between reacting emotionally vs responding intentionally ✅What real estate, trial law, and live TV teach you about handling pressure ✅How adversity often becomes preparation for future success And somehow we also ended up debating: McDonald’s Diet Coke, Burger King onion rings, Chick-fil-A pickle brine, marathon training, golf media, and why thinking under pressure is becoming a lost skill. This was one of those conversations that went everywhere in the best possible way. 🎙 Guests: 👉Dan Grieb, one of Florida’s top-producing real estate professionals and endurance athlete. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-grieb-4b401431/ 👉Matthew Wasserman, personal injury attorney and wine enthusiast. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wasserman-3bb09377/ 👉Whit Watson, longtime sports broadcaster and one of the voices behind The Villages media network. https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitwatson/ If you enjoy honest conversations about business, leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and real life without the polished corporate filter, subscribe to B*U Live for more episodes. #BULive #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Branding #Leadership #Marketing #PersonalGrowth #Media #RealEstate #Law #SportsMedia

April 23, 202649 min

AI Is Replacing Jobs Faster Than Founders Expected

This engaging conversation explores the power of AI, rapid prototyping, business problem-solving, and the importance of relationships in entrepreneurship. Featuring insights from experienced entrepreneurs and tech innovators, it offers practical advice for startups and small businesses navigating today's fast-changing landscape. Key Topics ✅ AI's role in business efficiency and marketing ✅ Rapid prototyping and minimum viable products ✅ Chargeback mitigation and financial protection ✅ The importance of relationships and partnerships in business ✅ The impact of AI layoffs and future of work 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 04:38 The Necessity of Invention: Josh Sprague's Journey 10:35 Chargebacks and Business Solutions: Don Wilczynski's Innovations 15:44 Creative Challenges and Speed to Market: Bill Reynolds' Perspective 22:13 Navigating Change: Josh Pies' Business Evolution 25:41 AI Layoffs and the Future of Work 27:07 Starting a Business in the Age of AI 28:46 The Importance of Relationships in Business 29:30 Leveraging AI for Efficiency 31:39 AI as a Tool for Problem Solving 36:27 Business Advice for Young Entrepreneurs Guests: 🔷 Bill Reynolds - http://linkedin.com/in/bill-reynolds-element502 🔷 Josh Sprague - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsprague/ 🔷 Don Wilczynski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwilczynski/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BUbusinesspodcastnetwork #ai #entrepreneurship #rapidprototyping #chargebacks #businessstrategy #innovation #networking #smallbusiness #digitalmarketing #problemsolving

April 9, 20261 hr 2 min

We All Got Entrepreneurship Wrong

Welcome to B*U Live — First Session. In this episode, Josh sit down with Dave Grosz, Markus Kaulius and John de Jong for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what entrepreneurship really feels like behind the scenes. From expectations vs reality to the identity shifts that come with building a business, this discussion challenges the idea of what “success” is supposed to look like. No scripts. No surface-level answers. Just real founders sharing what they’ve learned, unlearned, and questioned along the way. If you’ve ever felt like entrepreneurship doesn’t look the way you thought it would, this one’s for you. Key topics ✅ The significance of space launches and their impact on society ✅ The role of mentorship and personal development in business growth ✅ The concept of building 'pyramids' as a metaphor for large-scale projects ✅ The integration of AI in business and its training requirements ✅ The importance of community and national pride in uniting people Guests: 🔷Markus Kaulius - https://linkedin.com/in/markus-kaulius 🔷John de Jong - https://linkedin.com/in/johndejong 🔷Dave Grosz - https://linkedin.com/in/davegrosz Resources: 👉 Play a Bigger Game by Marcus Kaulius https://www.amazon.com/Play-Bigger-Game-Marcus-Kaulius/dp/XXXXXX 👉AlleyKat Signs and Marketing https://alleykatsigns.com/ 👉Wilson and Company Healthcare Construction https://wilsonandco.com 👉BU Business Podcast Network https://thebusinesspodcastnetwork.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 04:57 Childhood Dreams and Aspirations 14:01 Navigating Identity Crises in Entrepreneurship 20:57 The Transition from Operator to Owner 28:06 Family Dynamics in Business 31:02 Current Events: Artemis II Launch Discussion 32:06 The Space Age Revival 40:00 Investing in Space and Technology 46:06 The New Pyramids: AI and Innovation 51:59 Sports as a Unifying Force 59:52 Business Insights and Networking #BULive #bootstrappedunicorns #BUBusinessPodcastNetwork

February 12, 202611 min

Empowered Entrepreneurship & A Milestone Celebration

Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast | Empowered Entrepreneurship & A Milestone Celebration | Episode 75 Solocast with host Josh Pies 🎙️ Welcome to the Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast! Take a dive into the world of entrepreneurship with host Josh Pies, hippie capitalist and owner of C47 Digital Studios, and join the conversations filled with inspiring stories and actionable tips aimed at making your entrepreneurial journey a successful one. 🦄 🚀🎉 Milestone Madness! Celebrating 75 Episodes & an Exciting New Era 🚀🎉 In this special milestone episode, Josh takes a reflective look back at the journey of the podcast from its inception in August 2023. He discusses the challenges faced, including a personal car accident, the success of reaching the top 1% of podcasts, and the incredible entrepreneurial stories shared. Josh also teases some exciting changes coming to the show, including a new format featuring live reactions, diverse guest commentary, and even impromptu calls to provide real-time help on various topics. Get ready for a new era of Bootstrapped Unicorns where business insights meet fun and spontaneity. Will you be a part of the next episode? Tune in to find out! 🎧🎙️ 00:00 Introduction to Bootstrapped Unicorns 00:35 Celebrating Episode 75 01:22 The Journey So Far 05:40 Exciting New Format Changes 08:12 Interactive and Engaging Segments 10:18 Invitation to Join the Show 10:56 Conclusion and Gratitude ✅ Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more founder stories and business insights! 📌Join the Bootstrapped Unicorns: Entrepreneurship & Marketing Facebook Group! https://facebook.com/groups/bootstrappedunicorns 👉For more about our podcast, or to become a guest, visit: 🌐https://www.BootstrappedUnicorns.com 🌐https://www.C47Films.com 💡Want to turn your videos into a show? Grab our free "Make It A Show" eBook here: 🌐https://MakeItAShow.com #bootstrappedunicorns #podcast #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businessowner #podcastmilestone #micropivot

February 5, 202646 min

Rethink Success: The Inversion Advantage

Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast | Rethink Success: The Inversion Advantage | Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast | Episode 74 with Brent Parker 🎙️ Welcome to the Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast! Take a dive into the world of entrepreneurship with host Josh Pies, hippie capitalist and owner of C47 Digital Studios, and join the conversations filled with inspiring stories and actionable tips aimed at making your entrepreneurial journey a successful one. 🦄 In this episode, Josh interviews Brent Parker, an entrepreneur who discusses the critical concept of inversion thinking and how it can help businesses, especially startups, avoid failure. Learn about Brent's journey from running a coffee business in Las Vegas to owning Open Campground, a software for campground owners. Brent also introduces his book, 'The Secret Power of Inversion,' and shares insights on how to systematically approach and solve business challenges. Get ready to rethink your strategies and tune into actionable advice that goes beyond typical business plans. Join us for an enlightening conversation about turning chaos into cash flow! 🚀✨📚 Find Brent's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-power-of-inversion-brent-parker/1148530341 00:00 Introduction to Bootstrapped Unicorns 00:44 The Upside Down Episode: Inversion Thinking 01:25 Meet Brent Parker: Entrepreneurial Journey 02:06 From Coffee to Campgrounds: Business Evolution 05:06 Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship 13:52 The Secret Power of Inversion: Brent's Book 24:19 The Importance of Feedback 24:46 Applying Inversion Thinking 25:53 Balancing Optimism and Pessimism 26:52 Self-Analysis and Seeking Advice 28:40 The Process of Entrepreneurship 31:36 Pricing Strategies and Challenges 36:18 Masterclass and Future Plans 43:26 Fun Stories and Final Thoughts ✅ Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more founder stories and business insights! 📌Join the Bootstrapped Unicorns: Entrepreneurship & Marketing Facebook Group! https://facebook.com/groups/bootstrappedunicorns 👉For more about our podcast, or to become a guest, visit: 🌐https://www.BootstrappedUnicorns.com 🌐https://www.C47Films.com 💡Want to turn your videos into a show? Grab our free "Make It A Show" eBook here: 🌐https://MakeItAShow.com #bootstrappedunicorns #podcast #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businessowner #inversion

January 29, 202635 min

Turning Scrap Into Financial Success

Turning Scrap Into Financial Success: A Junkyard Legacy | Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast | Episode 73 ft. Tyler Petrie 🎙️ Welcome to the Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast! Take a dive into the world of entrepreneurship with host Josh Pies, hippie capitalist and owner of C47 Digital Studios, and join the conversations filled with inspiring stories and actionable tips aimed at making your entrepreneurial journey a successful one. 🦄 Join Josh in this episode as he dives into the world of auto recycling with Tyler Petrie, the General Manager of Wilbert's U-Pull It. From scrappy startup challenges to leading a close-knit team, Tyler shares fascinating insights about transforming chaos into a highly organized and impactful business. Discover how Wilbert's innovates in the auto recycling industry, embraces family culture, and even spreads holiday joy with their unexpected Christmas tree venture! Plus, hear about their fun employee engagement activities and future plans for tackling the rise of electric vehicles. 🚗🌲💡 00:00 Introduction to Bootstrapped Unicorns 00:42 Meet Tyler Petrie: General Manager at Wilbert's U-Pull It 03:36 The Unique Jobs in Auto Recycling 08:35 The Christmas Tree Farm Story 10:35 The Business Structure of Wilbert's 12:58 The Auto Recycling Industry and Its Challenges 20:54 Employee Engagement and Company Culture 26:53 The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Auto Recycling 31:12 Closing Remarks and Call to Action To connect with Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerpetrie-wilbertsupullit ✅ Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more founder stories and business insights! @BootstrappedUnicornsPodcast 📌Join the Bootstrapped Unicorns: Entrepreneurship & Marketing Facebook Group! https://facebook.com/groups/bootstrappedunicorns 👉For more about our podcast, or to become a guest, visit: 🌐https://www.BootstrappedUnicorns.com 🌐https://www.C47Films.com 💡Want to turn your videos into a show? Grab our free "Make It A Show" eBook here: 🌐https://MakeItAShow.com #bootstrappedunicorns #podcast #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businessowner #startup #autorecycling