Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Hosted by Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch

Business Management

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Episodes

250

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

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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60 recent

October 8, 2026Episode 25457 min

Stop Telling The Internet About The Good Places: When Marketing Kills Your Business

Send us Fan Mail We all want to discover the hidden restaurant, empty beach, or perfect little bar nobody else knows about—and then apparently, our first instinct is to tell the entire internet where it is. This week on Mike & Blaine, we're talking about how TikTok, Instagram, and the desperate need to geotag everything can turn quiet towns, local restaurants, and scenic spots into traffic jams almost overnight. We'll argue about whether gatekeeping is selfish, whether influencers should shut up about certain places, and exactly how long two grown men should ever wait in line for a potato. Somewhere between Big Sur traffic, Japanese selfie tourism, and the local diner that suddenly has 400 people standing outside, there's a vital business lesson about what happens when your marketing becomes vastly more successful than your operational capacity. In business, sudden viral visibility without operational scaling can actually destroy customer experience, burn out your workforce, and alienate your core customer base. We dive into the core business strategy behind managing rapid demand spikes, supply chain bottlenecks, and balancing brand exposure with quality control. Whether you're trying to scale a small business without losing its soul or just trying to keep your favorite watering hole a secret, this conversation tackles the real cost of going viral. Grab a beer, join us in the conversation—and remember, we're still not telling you where our favorite bar is! Enjoying the show? Head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversations flowing! We want to hear from you! Reach out at beer@mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: "Baltimore Mike" Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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 . com #MikeAndBlaine #BusinessStrategy #ViralGrowth #OperationsManagement #SmallBusinessStrategy #CustomerExperience #SocialMediaMarketing #ViralMarketing #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TikTok #Instagram #Yelp #GoogleMaps #TripAdvisor Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

October 1, 2026Episode 25359 min

Hoodies vs. Suits: The New Rules of Professionalism & Business Strategy

Send us Fan Mail Apparently bringing an iced coffee to a job interview is unprofessional now, which is great news for everyone who thought qualifications were getting too much attention. This week on Mike & Blaine, we're figuring out who actually decided what “professional” looks like and why a suit, a tattoo, a pair of sneakers, or a wet Starbucks cup can apparently tell us everything we need to know about someone. We'll argue about dress codes, Zoom cameras, leaving at exactly five, texting the boss, and whether billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg get to break rules the rest of us are still expected to follow. Beyond the social debate, this touches the core of modern business strategy and execution. When leaders rely on outdated optics instead of measurable outcomes, talent acquisition suffers. How do arbitrary standards impact your recruitment pipeline, employer branding, and retention? We dive into tactical management decisions: shifting from vanity metrics—like desk time or mandatory cameras—to objective performance KPIs. We explore how modern founders and executives can build psychological safety, align company culture with business goals, and avoid losing top Gen Z and Millennial talent to competitors who focus on deliverables over dress codes. Somewhere between the hoodie-wearing tech founder and the candidate being judged for a latte, we try to figure out which workplace standards actually serve a strategic purpose and which ones are just corporate traditions nobody bothered to question. Grab a beer—and apparently finish your coffee before you come in. If you enjoyed the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversation going! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: "Baltimore Mike" Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com #IcedCoffeeDebate #JobInterview #InterviewTips #GenZ #GenZAtWork #WorkplaceCulture #Professionalism #CareerTok #Hiring #JobSearch #BusinessBeerAndBS #Starbucks #Zoom #LinkedIn #Forbes #HarvardBusinessReview #Entrepreneur #Nike #Apple #BusinessStrategy #ManagementTactics #Leadership #TalentAcquisition #CorporateCulture #WorkplaceTrends Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

September 25, 2026Episode 25257 min

Merriam-Webster Added WHAT?! Decoding TikTok Slang & Business Tactics with Dre Baldwin

Send us Fan Mail Apparently Merriam-Webster added 1,400 new words to the dictionary, which means “looksmaxxing,” “Rickroll” and “cuffing season” are now legitimate English—and we're clearly losing control of the situation. This week, we're joined by Dre Baldwin, founder of Work On Your Game, to see whether any of the three of us can actually define the language the internet has invented. We argue about whether TikTok is destroying English, why corporate leaders speak like malfunctioning consultants, and how evolving language impacts your overall business strategy. In modern marketing and leadership, clear communication is everything. We break down the tactics behind staying culturally relevant without sacrificing brand clarity, executive messaging, or team alignment. Dre also shares practical business tactics from his transition from professional basketball to building an enterprise centered on discipline, standards, and execution—proving that while knowing what "vibe coding" means might make you sound cool, clear systems and daily consistency are what actually drive business growth. Grab a beer, bring a dictionary, and prepare to discover that apparently we've all been speaking English wrong. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPG38pVgjew Loved the show? Support the podcast and buy us a beer at mikeandblaine.com! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Connect with Dre Baldwin: linkedin.com/in/dreallday Work on Your Game: workonyourgame.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: "Baltimore Mike" Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPG38pVgjew #MerriamWebster #TikTok #TikTokSlang #WorkOnYourGame #DreBaldwin #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTactics #MarketingStrategy #CorporateCulture #NewWords #InternetSlang #Slang #GenZSlang #Language #Dictionary #VibeCoding #Looksmaxxing #Parasocial #BusinessBeerAndBS #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

September 17, 2026Episode 25159 min

First Mover vs. Fast Follower: Why Apple Let Samsung Test Foldables For 7 Years

Send us Fan Mail Apple finally introduced its first foldable phone with the brand new $2,000 iPhone Duo, which would be incredibly impressive if Samsung hadn't started selling the Galaxy Z Fold series seven years ago. This week on Mike and Blaine, we're talking about the launch of the iPhone Duo, Samsung's extremely entertaining reaction, and why apparently every tech trend from 2004 eventually comes back if you make it out of titanium. We argue about whether Apple is embarrassingly late to the party or whether Samsung just spent seven years doing Apple's R&D, product testing, and market education for free. Somewhere between Foldgate, $3,200 top-spec phones, and the return of the satisfying flip, there is a masterclass business strategy lesson on First-Mover Advantage versus the Fast-Follower Strategy. We analyze market entry timing, risk mitigation tactics, premium pricing psychology, and brand moats. Did Apple hesitate, or did they strategically let a competitor absorb the early hardware failures and customer friction before stepping in to capture high-margin market share? Whether you are evaluating when to launch a new service or watching massive tech brands battle for dominance, this episode offers actionable insights into business tactics, product positioning, and competitive edge. Grab a beer, unfold whatever device you're watching us on, and join us for an unfiltered breakdown! Enjoying the podcast? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com 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.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: "Baltimore Mike" Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Trey Milton #iPhoneDuo #iPhone #Apple #AppleEvent #FoldablePhone #Foldable #Samsung #GalaxyZFold8 #TechNews #AppleVsSamsung #Google #TechCrunch #MKBHD #MarquesBrownlee #TheVerge #WallStreetJournal #Forbes #BusinessStrategy #FastFollower #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTactics #MikeAndBlaine #CashFlow Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

September 11, 2026Episode 2501 hr 5 min

Is Drinking Going Out Of Style? Beverage Industry Trends & Business Strategy

Send us Fan Mail For 249 episodes we drank beer, so naturally we decided to celebrate number 250 with whiskey—at almost the exact moment the whiskey business started wondering where everybody went. In this milestone episode of Business, Beer & BS, we're figuring out whether people are actually drinking less, drinking differently, or just paying $14 to have someone leave the alcohol out of their cocktail. We get into sober raves, canned cocktails (RTDs), GLP-1 weight loss medications, the supposedly sober Gen Z suddenly drinking more, and whether bourbon collecting is really just Pokémon for middle-aged men. Somewhere between the first pour and whatever seemed like a good idea by the third, we discover that drinking isn't disappearing nearly as fast as the traditional rules around it are. From a business strategy and market execution standpoint, these changing consumer habits represent a structural shift in customer acquisition, menu margin engineering, and product portfolio management. As non-alcoholic options, functional beverages, and zero-proof spirits outpace legacy alcohol growth, smart business owners, hospitality operators, and beverage distributors must adapt their cash flow tactics and inventory strategy. Whether you are retooling your offerings to capture health-conscious consumers, leveraging premiumization, or navigating GLP-1 market disruption, staying agile is essential to protecting your bottom line. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversation going! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n3bpldzgzBg Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com #Whiskey #WhiskeyTok #SoberCurious #MindfulDrinking #Mocktails #NonAlcoholic #ReadyToDrink #RTD #GenZ #DrinkingTrends #BusinessStrategy #BeverageIndustry #Entrepreneurship #CashFlow #SmallBusinessTactics #AthleticBrewing #LiquidDeath #Heineken #MolsonCoors #Diageo #BuffaloTrace #Poppi #Ozempic #BusinessPodcast #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

September 4, 2026Episode 24959 min

Is Your Life Advertising Inventory? How Brands Are Monetizing Your Personal Life

Send us Fan Mail Apparently weddings, sorority rush, run clubs, and baby showers are advertising inventory now—and once again, we appear to have missed an opportunity to stop paying retail. This week, we're diving deep into the trend of brides getting brands to foot the bill for their big day, major companies hijacking RushTok, and everyday people getting free swag and sponsorships simply because they've assembled the right group of humans in one place. We debate whether this is brilliant marketing, shameless begging, or just the classic Tupperware party upgraded with better Wi-Fi and 4K cameras. Beyond the sponsored open bars and 600 sorority sisters morphing into "mini creators," there is a massive business strategy and growth tactic at play. In an era where digital Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) continues to climb across traditional paid ad platforms, brands are realizing that high-intent, hyper-niche micro-communities yield dramatically higher engagement and conversion rates. We break down the tactical power of micro-influencer targeting, zero-party data gathering, organic word-of-mouth distribution, and why an engaged room of 25 targeted ideal clients can deliver far more Lifetime Value (LTV) than 25,000 passive, random followers. Whether you run a B2B advisory firm, an e-commerce brand, or a local service business, understanding how to monetize ambient attention and leverage organic micro-audiences is a modern distribution playbook you cannot afford to ignore. Grab a beer and join the conversation—and if any brand out there wants to sponsor our next round, our DMs are wide open! Love the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversations brewing! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com #RushTok #BamaRush #WeddingTok #BachelorettePR #CreatorEconomy #InfluencerMarketing #BrandPartnership #ExperientialMarketing #BusinessStrategy #GrowthMarketing #MicroInfluencer #DigitalMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #Nike #TarteCosmetics #Poppi #Zola #TheKnot #KendraScott #TikTok #Meta #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessStrategy Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

August 31, 2026Episode 2481 hr 1 min

When Did Everyone Become a Cowboy? The Business of Country's Mainstream Takeover

Send us Fan Mail Apparently everybody is country now, including people who probably couldn't identify a cow without Google Lens. This week on Mike & Blaine, we're figuring out how country music went from something people proudly claimed to hate to taking over the charts, stadiums, TikTok dances, and apparently half the closets in New York. We'll argue about whether modern country is actually country, why Luke Combs just had NFL stadiums teasing his tour, and how many cowboy hats you can sell to people who've never touched a horse. Beyond the whiskey songs, belt buckles, and questionable line dancing, there is a serious masterclass in business strategy here. What happens when a hyper-specific niche explodes into a global movement? In this episode, we break down the core business tactics and market dynamics driving this trend. Grab a beer, dust off the boots you bought for one wedding, and saddle up with Cash Flow Mike and Blaine Bertsch! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0uqIq4roHGc We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Love the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Trey Milton Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0uqIq4roHGc #CountryMusic #CountryTok #ChoosinTexas #EllaLangley #LukeCombs #LineDancing #Wrangler #Stetson #Lucchese #Ariat #Spotify #CMT #CMA #MorganWallen #PostMalone #CoorsLight #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusiness #MarketStrategy #BrandPositioning #CashFlow #Entrepreneurship Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

August 13, 2026Episode 24757 min

The Business of Digital Detox: How Phone-Free Zones Become Premium Business Strategies

Send us Fan Mail We invented a device that does almost everything, became hopelessly attached to it, and have now created an entire industry devoted to taking it away from us. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we dive deep into the booming economy of "disconnection." From phone-free bars, restaurants, concerts, and schools to high-end digital detox retreats, we analyze whether any of us can survive a simple dinner without checking a notification—and more importantly, how entrepreneurs are turning our collective lack of discipline into a profitable business model. We debate whether locking up smartphones creates richer customer conversations or merely turns bartenders and venue staff into middle-school principals. Beyond the behavioral economics, we explore the strategic business tactics behind selling silence, privacy, and borrowed self-control. Business & Strategy Key Takeaways: Monetizing Friction: How forcing customers to unplug creates a high-value, premium experience people will pay extra for. Customer Dwell Time: Why removing digital distractions increases engagement, lengthens visits, and boosts total spend in hospitality and retail. Differentiation in a Noisy Market: Using phone-free policies as a unique selling proposition (USP) to build intense brand loyalty. Operational Reality: Managing the fine line between policy enforcement and delivering top-tier customer service. Grab a beer, hide your screen time report, and join us before one of us gets distracted halfway through the episode! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s___KWkcQQA Love the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the taps running! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton #PhoneFree #DigitalDetox #Smartphones #CustomerExperience #DigitalWellness #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CustomerLoyalty #Monetization #BehavioralEconomics #Apple #Samsung #Google #Meta #Verizon #ATT #Yondr #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 30, 2026Episode 24655 min

The Death of Cool: How Caring More Drives Business Growth & Loyalty

Send us Fan Mail Apparently, caring is cool again, which is unfortunate because some of us just got really good at pretending not to care. On this episode of Mike & Blaine, we’re talking about why effort, enthusiasm, and actually giving a damn are making a massive comeback after years of “too cool to try” corporate apathy, detachment, and fake indifference. We take a deep dive into cringe culture, modern workplace apathy, terrible dating advice, and businesses that act like returning a customer's phone call would somehow ruin their mystique. But beyond the banter, there is a powerful business strategy hidden here: radical effort is your ultimate competitive advantage. In today's crowded market, standard "professionalism" without personality is just boredom wearing a collared shirt. Companies that hide behind slow responses, generic corporate speak, and passive customer service are rapidly losing market share to competitors who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and care. In this episode, we break down key business tactics and strategic takeaways: Customer Experience (CX) as a Differentiator: Why over-delivering and relentless responsiveness beat playing "hard to get" every single time. Building Authentic Brand Loyalty: How injecting real personality into your marketing turns passive buyers into brand advocates. Culture & Employee Engagement: How to combat disengagement and quiet quitting by building a work environment where taking pride in performance is celebrated. Sales & Strategic Execution: Why caring about your client's outcomes creates trust faster than any polished sales pitch. Grab a cold beer and join us as we ask whether trying hard was ever really the embarrassing part—or if caring is actually the secret weapon your business strategy has been missing. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LouDPrRM9YY Love the show? Head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and support the podcast! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LouDPrRM9YY #TryingIsCool #CringeCulture #CustomerExperience #Chalant #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CustomerService #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategy #CorporateCulture #MikeAndBlaine #Podcasting #Apple #Nike #Starbucks #HubSpot #Salesforce #Shopify #HarvardBusinessReview #IncMagazine #Forbes Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 23, 2026Episode 24552 min

Free Refills & Poutine: What the 2026 World Cup Taught Us About Marketing & Customer Experience

Send us Fan Mail The world came to North America for soccer—and left talking about free refills, ranch dressing, poutine, barbecue, and a whiskey-drinking raccoon. This week on the Mike and Blaine show, we unpack the funniest and most unexpectedly wholesome stories of international fans discovering life in the United States, Mexico, and Canada during the 2026 World Cup. But this isn't just a recap of tournament tourism; it’s a deep dive into core business strategy, tactical marketing, and customer experience (CX). Why do visitors see pure magic in the everyday things locals completely take for granted? More importantly, how can your business leverage its own "ordinary" features to build an unforgettable, viral brand? Mike and Blaine break down how culture serves as the ultimate marketing strategy. In business, your standard operations, unique regional quirks, or basic hospitality touches might actually be your greatest competitive advantage. We share actionable insights on how to avoid becoming a generic, sanitized corporation and instead double down on the unique differentiators that make your brand memorable. Whether it’s the psychological impact of a "free refill" or the comfort of hyper-local hospitality, successful companies win by embracing who they are. If you want to learn how to turn your daily routine into a powerful customer acquisition tool, grab a cold beer and join the conversation! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAs79X_0Iz4 We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Love the show and want to support us? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn 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.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAs79X_0Iz4 #WorldCup2026 #BusinessBeerAndBS #NorthAmericanCulture #CustomerExperience #Hospitality #BusinessPodcast #FIFA #BusinessStrategy #MarketingStrategy #BrandStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CustomerRetention #McDonalds #HiddenValleyRanch #FIFAWorldCup #SmallBusinessTips Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/