Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Hosted by Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch

Business Management

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Episodes

235

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Dive into "Business, Beer, and BS" with seasoned entrepreneurs Mike Milan and Blaine Bertsch! Each episode is a lively mix of business insights and casual conversation fueled by cold beers and real talk. Mike and Blaine share their rollercoaster journeys of running businesses and tackling real-world challenges with humour and honesty. Expect practical tips, unforgettable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. It’s the perfect blend of expert advice and laid-back fun. Don’t miss out! Subscribe, follow, and like "Business, Beer, and BS" for engaging stories, valuable lessons, and great entertainment. Catch every episode!

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June 12, 2026Episode 23952 min

“When Did We Stop Doing Stuff Just For Fun?” Stop Turning Your Hobbies Into Side Hustles

Send us Fan MailAt some point, every single hobby became a business opportunity. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we talk about the return of amateurism and the growing movement of people doing things simply because they enjoy them. From backyard gardening and woodworking to running clubs, sourdough bread, and retro gaming, more people are rejecting the idea that every interest needs to become a side hustle. We explore why hobbies got monetized in the first place, why people are pushing back, and what happens when you stop measuring everything by productivity and profit. Because maybe the most rebellious thing you can do in 2026 is enjoy something you're not trying to optimize.But there is a massive business strategy angle to this shift. From a tactical standpoint, trying to monetize every passion actually dilutes your core business focus and drains the creative energy required to innovate. True entrepreneurial strategy requires downtime to recharge your cognitive reserves. When you treat your personal time like a secondary startup, you risk severe burnout, which directly impacts your primary revenue streams and decision-making abilities. We dive into how separating business tactics from personal fulfillment can actually make you a sharper, more focused leader in companies like Apple, Google, or Microsoft where corporate culture is starting to value the "unplugged" employee. We also look at how platform giants like YouTube, Shopify, and Etsy built entire ecosystems around the side-hustle boom, and why consumer behavior is shifting away from monetization and back toward pure community engagement. Whether you are a founder trying to scale or an executive looking for balance, understanding the boundary between profit and passion is essential for long-term strategic success.We want to hear from you! Email us at beer@mikeandblaine.com and let us know what you do just for fun.If you love the show, support the podcast, visit mikeandblaine.com, and buy us a beer!Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart ConsultingCPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston TexasNeighbor Pat DevinListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comLearn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/39B4RdRldl8#HobbyCulture #Amateurism #SlowLiving #SideHustle #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessTactics #Mindset #YouTube #Shopify #Etsy #Apple #Google #MikeAndBlaineSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

June 4, 2026Episode 23850 min

The Upgrade Spiral: How Consumer Culture Hacks Your Business & Life

Send us Fan MailYou buy a new couch… and suddenly your entire house starts failing inspections. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive deep into “The Upgrade Spiral” and explore why modern life constantly makes people—and businesses—feel like they are always one version behind.From smartphones and cars to office kitchens, wardrobes, and tech productivity setups, every single upgrade quietly shifts your standards. It distorts your baseline, making everything else you own or use look instantly outdated. In this episode, we break down the exact business strategy behind this phenomenon. Companies like Apple, Adobe, and BMW don't just sell products; they engineered a consumer culture that depends entirely on keeping “good enough” from ever feeling good enough for very long.We look at this from a tactical business perspective: How do you, as an entrepreneur, leverage this cycle to increase customer lifetime value without alienating your audience? On the flip side, how do you protect your own business cash flow from falling victim to lifestyle inflation and unnecessary software-as-a-service (SaaS) upgrades?Social media accelerates this loop daily, transforming satisfaction from a tangible goal into a moving target. Somewhere along the way, content became a lifestyle, and regular upgrades became the mandatory cost of entry. Join us as we unpack the psychology of consumer culture, the mechanics of modern marketing, and how to strategically navigate the spiral so it works for your bottom line, not against it.If you enjoyed this episode, head over to mikeandblaine . com to buy us a beer and keep the conversations flowing!We want to hear from you! Catch an episode you have thoughts on, or just want to chat? Reach out to us at beer@mikeandblaine . comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine . comLearn about our businesses:Cash Flow Mike: Training CPAs to provide effective, high-value advisory services to their clients. Learn more at cashflowmike . comDryrun: Cash flow forecasting and financial modeling built for the office of the CFO, getting finance teams out of messy spreadsheets. Learn more at dryrun . comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:- Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting -CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas- Neighbor Pat- Devin#UpgradeCulture #ConsumerCulture #LifestyleInflation #ModernLife #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTactics #CashFlowManagement #MarketingStrategy #Apple #Adobe #BMW #Samsung #SalesPsychology #BusinessGrowth #MikeAndBlaine #PodcastSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

May 29, 2026Episode 23754 min

The Rise of Therapy Speak: How Emotional Fluency Changed HR, Marketing, and Workplace Culture

Send us Fan MailAt some point, every conversation started sounding like a counseling session. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we talk about the rise of “therapy speak” and why words like boundaries, trauma, triggers, healing, emotional safety, and toxic behavior have completely taken over the internet, workplaces, dating, and even marketing. From HR emails that sound like wellness retreats to breakups that read like psychology textbooks, everyone suddenly seems emotionally fluent—and slightly exhausted. We break down where this trend came from, why some of it is genuinely helpful, and where it starts turning normal life into a diagnosis. Because somewhere between self-awareness and self-obsession… things got weird.As a business owner or leader, this isn't just an internet trend—it is a critical shift in workplace culture and business strategy. How do you manage team dynamics when standard professional feedback is labeled as a "boundary violation"? How does your marketing strategy adapt when platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn are dominated by emotional fluency? We dive into the tactical side of communication, exploring how to maintain high-performance leadership, set actual professional boundaries, and communicate effectively without turning your weekly sync into a group therapy session. Striking the balance between empathy and execution is the ultimate modern business tactic.We want to hear from you! Email us your thoughts, wild workplace stories, or feedback at beer@mikeandblaine.com.Listen to all our episodes and support the show at mikeandblaine.com. If you love the chaos, hit the site and buy us a beer!Learn about our businesses: • Cash Flow Mike: Training CPAs to provide effective, high-value advisory services to their clients. Learn more at cashflowmike.com • Dryrun: Cash flow forecasting and financial modeling for the office of the CFO, getting finance teams out of spreadsheets and into strategy. Learn more at dryrun.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the best CPA in Houston!• Neighbor Pat • DevinWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bqiR_qdW0Kk#TherapySpeak #MentalHealthCulture #InternetCulture #Boundaries #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipTactics #HRTrends #CorporateCommunication #SmallBusinessTips #TikTokTrends #LinkedIn #Instagram #TikTok #HarvardBusinessReview #Forbes #IncMagazineSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

May 21, 2026Episode 23654 min

Business Strategy in the Kidult Market: From Lego to Pokémon on Mike & Blaine

Send us Fan MailAdulthood isn’t what it used to be. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we’re diving deep into the massive economic shift known as “Kidulting.” Why are grown adults spending billions of dollars on Lego sets, Pokémon cards, retro gaming, and Disney trips? We explore the psychology behind nostalgia culture and why "growing up" has lost its luster in the modern world.From a business strategy perspective, this isn't just a trend—it's a goldmine. We analyze how brands like Nintendo, Mattel, and Disney are pivoting their marketing tactics to target high-income adults seeking emotional escape. Whether it’s the scarcity model of collectibles or the subscription-based comfort of retro entertainment, the "Kidult" demographic is reshaping how companies approach product development and customer lifetime value. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just a kid with a credit card trying to navigate a high-stress world, this episode is for you. We break down the tactics behind the nostalgia economy and what it says about our collective need for a simpler time—now powered by adult salaries and better Wi-Fi.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qfLFXYGJWTcWe want to hear from you! Reach out at beer@mikeandblaine . comThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting . com • Neighbor Pat • DevinLearn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun . comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine . comIf you enjoyed the show, head over to mikeandblaine . com and buy us a beer!#Kidult #Adulting #NostalgiaCulture #MillennialCulture #BusinessStrategy #MarketingTactics #Lego #Disney #Pokemon #Nintendo #Mattel #Collectibles #Entrepreneurship #CashFlow #ConsumerBehavior #RetroGaming #MikeAndBlaineSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

May 14, 2026Episode 23558 min

“Wait… What Do You Actually Do?” How to Cut the Fluff & Build Business Trust

Send us Fan MailAt some point, job titles stopped making sense. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we ask a simple question that’s surprisingly hard to answer: what do you actually do? From “growth strategist” to “customer success architect” to “fractional everything,” modern work has gotten harder to explain—and significantly easier to inflate.In this episode, we break down why job titles have become so vague, why nobody wants to sound simple anymore, and how this trend is actively damaging your business strategy. When your team uses confusing internal jargon or overly complex external titles, it creates friction in your sales process, erodes trust with prospects, and muddies your internal communication. If your messaging relies on a buzzword-heavy title to sound important, you are likely losing potential revenue. We discuss the strategic advantage of clarity and why the most effective leaders and high-performers are the ones who can explain their value in a single, simple sentence. Because if it takes five minutes to explain what you do… something is definitely off.Head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comLearn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HdM0QXiTm1k#JobTitles #WorkCulture #LinkedInLife #CareerTalk #BusinessStrategy #ManagementTips #Hiring #ProfessionalDevelopment #CorporateJargon #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #LeadershipSkills #SalesStrategy #Productivity #MarketingStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #Management #HRTips @LinkedIn @Indeed @Glassdoor @HarvardBusinessReview @ForbesSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

May 7, 2026Episode 23458 min

Expertise vs. Influence: How to Find Real Business Strategy in a Sea of Content

Send us Fan MailAt some point, everyone became an expert. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive deep into the “Death of Expertise” and why modern consumers increasingly trust a random comment, a viral TikTok video, or a Reddit thread over actual degreed professionals. From sketchy finance advice to DIY health tips and unproven business strategy, the internet has made knowledge more accessible—but it has also made the truth much harder to find.We break down the tactical shift in how information is consumed and why the "democratization of knowledge" is a double-edged sword. Is the decline of the gatekeeper a win for the entrepreneur, or are we just drowning in a sea of confident amateurs? We explore the business implications of this shift, discussing how to vet your advisors and why "authority" in 2026 is often more about SEO and social proof than actual results. We discuss the strategy behind building true authority in a world where anyone with a smartphone can claim to be a guru. The real challenge today isn’t finding information—it’s the high-level business tactic of discernment: knowing who to believe and when to stick to the pros.We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comLearn about:Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.comDryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinIf you enjoyed the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com and buy us a beer to keep the conversation flowing!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pKBNMWu62yA#ExpertAdvice #InternetCulture #InformationOverload #DigitalAge #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #TikTokBusiness #RedditFinance #Forbes #HarvardBusinessReview #GaryVee #BusinessInsider #WallStreetJournal #SmallBusinessTactics #ProfessionalAdvisorySupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

April 30, 2026Episode 23356 min

Stop Faking It: How the "I'm Done Pretending" Movement Changes Business Strategy

Send us Fan MailLately, it feels like the collective mask is slipping, and people are finally just… saying it. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive deep into the viral “I’m done pretending” trend—a cultural shift where professionals are dropping the scripts, questioning tired industry norms, and admitting what they actually think about work, networking, and the corporate grind. From the "I hate networking" crowd to the "this meeting could have been an email" truth-tellers, radical honesty is rapidly replacing performative professionalism.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HneB8RYsvV8We break down why this shift is happening now and how it impacts your business strategy. In a world of LinkedIn platitudes and polished corporate speak, authenticity has become a competitive advantage, but it comes with a catch. We discuss the tactics of "calculated candor"—knowing when being real builds trust with your team and customers, and where it crosses the line into reckless territory that could damage your brand. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a large team, understanding this shift from "playing the part" to "being the person" is crucial for modern leadership and employee retention. We explore the balance between maintaining professional standards and being human in an era where people value "real" over "perfect."We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.comLearn about:Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.comDryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinIf you enjoyed the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com and buy us a beer!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HneB8RYsvV8#NoMorePretending #RealTalk #Authenticity #SayItOutLoud #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipTactics #CompanyCulture #WorkLifeBalance #LinkedIn #HarvardBusinessReview #Forbes #IncMagazine #Entrepreneur #SmallBizSuccess #ModernLeadership #CareerAdvice #MikeAndBlaineSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

April 23, 2026Episode 23253 min

The Public Meltdown Economy: Why Every Bad Moment Is Now Content

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we pull back the curtain on "The Public Meltdown Economy." We live in a world where every argument, breakdown, and awkward interaction is just one smartphone away from becoming viral entertainment. From mid-flight confrontations to heated customer service disputes, privacy has effectively vanished, replaced by a 24/7 digital colosseum. We break down the psychological shift that occurs when people instinctively hit "record" instead of helping, and why we, as an audience, find it so impossible to look away.Beyond the social commentary, we look at this through the lens of business strategy and reputation management. In an era where a single employee’s bad day can lead to a PR nightmare on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter), your brand’s "Crisis Management Strategy" is more important than ever. We discuss how businesses must adapt their training and operational tactics to account for constant public surveillance. If "every bad moment is content," how do you build a culture that remains resilient and professional when the cameras start rolling? We explore the intersection of human behavior, the attention economy, and the tactical steps leaders must take to protect their bottom line in a world without "off" buttons.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rkb9wo9JXpAListen to all our episodes and support the show by buying us a beer at mikeandblaine.com!We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.comLearn about:Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.comDryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rkb9wo9JXpA#PublicMeltdown #ViralMoments #BusinessStrategy #CrisisManagement #AttentionEconomy #MikeAndBlaine #Entrepreneurship #BrandReputation #TikTokCulture #CustomerExperience #ModernBusiness #YouTube #Instagram #X #Delta #Starbucks #Apple #Tesla #Forbes #HarvardBusinessReviewSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

April 9, 2026Episode 23158 min

Why Everyone Thinks They’re the Main Character (and Why Your Business Can't)

Send us Fan MailAt some point, everyone decided they were the star of a movie no one else signed up to watch. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we’re diving deep into “Main Character Syndrome” (MCS) and why social media has everyone acting like the world is their personal film set. From influencers blocking traffic for the "perfect shot" to the constant narration of mundane tasks as if they were plot points, the trend is reaching a breaking point. We break down the psychology behind this shift in identity, why it’s becoming increasingly disruptive in public spaces, and the inevitable backlash as people start to reclaim reality.But this isn't just about TikTok trends; there’s a massive takeaway for business strategy and leadership. In the corporate world, MCS can be a silent killer. When a founder or manager views themselves as the "Main Character," they stop being a leader and start being a bottleneck. Effective business tactics require an ensemble mindset—where your customer is the hero and your team is the cast that makes the mission possible. We discuss how to leverage personal branding without falling into the narcissism trap and why the best business strategies focus on the "supporting cast" to drive long-term growth. Because when everyone thinks they’re the lead, nobody is listening, and your culture—much like a bad movie—starts to fall apart.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpsvdqkxGesListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comLearn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comIf you’re enjoying the show and want to help us keep the mics on and the fridges full, head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We truly appreciate the support of our community.Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpsvdqkxGes#MainCharacterEnergy #MainCharacterSyndrome #InternetCulture #SocialMediaBehavior #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaTrends #MarketingTactics #MikeAndBlaine #TikTok #Instagram #Meta #LinkedIn #YouTube #AttentionEconomy #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCultureSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

April 2, 2026Episode 23056 min

Everything Got Better… and Worse: Why Complexity is Killing Your Business

Send us Fan MailAt some point, everything got harder to use. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into the growing frustration with modern "innovation" and how businesses are accidentally sabotaging their own growth through over-engineering. From apps that require a master’s degree to navigate, to subscription services that feel like a hostage situation, the global standard for user experience is slipping. We break down the business strategy behind this shift: why companies choose complexity over clarity, how "feature creep" erodes your bottom line, and the specific tactics you can use to simplify your operations and regain customer loyalty.In a market saturated with friction, simplicity isn't just a design choice—it’s a massive competitive advantage and a high-level business strategy. We discuss how the office of the CFO and growth-minded entrepreneurs can identify where complexity is quietly destroying the customer journey and why the brands that win in 2026 will be the ones that make life easier for their users. If you’re a founder, a finance leader, or just someone tired of systems that don’t work, this episode is your roadmap to cutting the noise and focusing on what actually moves the needle.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/egXhgExg-UcLearn about:Cash Flow Mike: Training CPAs to provide world-class advisory services at cashflowmike.comDryrun: Helping the office of the CFO get finance teams out of spreadsheets with automated cash flow forecasting at dryrun.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • DevinIf you enjoyed the show and want to support our mission of making business less complicated and more fun, visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/egXhgExg-Uc#CustomerExperience #UserExperience #ModernLife #InternetCulture #BusinessStrategy #UXDesign #SmallBusinessTips #Entrepreneurship #Simplicity #ProductManagement #SaaS #CustomerRetention #OperationalEfficiency #Apple #Amazon #Google #Microsoft #Salesforce #HubSpot #Netflix #Adobe #MikeAndBlaine #CashFlow #BusinessPodcastSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/