The Business Grind Show

TBG – #53: The Gambler’s Playbook: Jerry Jones and the Business of Building a Dynasty Nov 15, 2025 1:01:45 In this episode of The Business Grind, we dive deep into the Netflix series America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys. Exploring how Jerry Jones transformed the Dallas Cowboys from a struggling franchise into one of the most valuable brands in the world.From firing legends to making bold trades, Jones built an empire through calculated risk, disruptive leadership, and relentless storytelling.

TBG – #52: The Business of Wrestling: How the Ring Became a Billion-Dollar Industry Mar 1, 2025 47:09 Back at it y'all.Professional wrestling is more than scripted entertainment. It’s a billion-dollar business that offers invaluable lessons in storytelling, branding, and audience engagement. In our latest podcast episode, we explore the fascinating history and business of wrestling, from its early days to the global dominance of WWE. Don’t miss this case study packed with insights for professional

TBG – #51: Book Review | When McKinsey Comes to Town: The Hidden Influence of the World’s Most Powerful Consulting Firm Aug 17, 2024 42:32 Join us as we delve into the powerful world of McKinsey & Company with our latest episode, reviewing "When McKinsey Comes to Town." Discover how this consulting behemoth influences everything from corporate giants to government policies. Whether you're a business enthusiast or a curious listener, this episode is packed with insights into the strategic maneuvers behind closed doors.

TBG – #50: This Is 50 | Highlights, Insights, and Future Plans Jun 22, 2024 45:10 In our 50th milestone episode, we reflect on the incredible journey we've had so far, sharing key takeaways and favorite moments from past episodes. Tap in as we discuss the importance of resilience, community, and collaboration, highlighting memorable insights from standout guests. We also dive into behind-the-scenes tidbits, showcasing the evolution of our podcast and production. Tune in to hear

TBG – #49: Book Review | MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios May 14, 2024 55:54 In our latest episode, we embark on the captivating narrative of "MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios." Join us as we explore the evolution of Marvel Studios from its humble beginnings to its global dominance in the entertainment industry, and analyze the business strategies, partnerships, and branding initiatives that contributed to Marvel's cinematic universe becoming a cultural phenomenon.

TBG – #48: Book Review | Rich Dad, Poor Dad Apr 8, 2024 46:15 In our latest episode, we revisit the wisdom of Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" to see if its advice holds up after its initial release in 1997. Join us as we evaluate the relevance of shifting your mindset in today's economic landscape, and discuss the significance of prioritizing assets over liabilities, paying ourselves first, and seeking passive income streams for financial success.

TBG – #47: Book Review | Company of One Feb 20, 2024 41:12 Join us as we delve into the thought-provoking concepts presented in Paul Jarvis' book, "Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business." In this episode, we discuss how Jarvis challenges the traditional notion that business success is synonymous with growth, as he instead advocates for a model that prioritizes purpose and sustainability. We also explore ideas around being ad

TBG – #46: Movie Review | Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul Jan 12, 2024 44:16 Can a company be too big to fail? Join us as we unravel the Netflix’s docuseries, Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul. From skyrocketing success to the exclusive "Decacorn" club to a staggering fall from grace, we plunge into Juul's history. Its splashy ad campaigns propelled its meteoric rise while controversies of underage usage led to its turbulent end. Experience the highs and lows of innovati

TBG – #45: Hip Hop 50 | FUBU Jan 2, 2024 40:27 On the heels of #HipHop50, we take a nostalgic journey to comb through the cultural impact of FUBU. In this episode, we highlight how Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown created a brand that transcended fashion to become a symbol of representation and empowerment within the hip-hop and entertainment community. Tune in as we discuss this iconic brand and business move

TBG – #44: Movie Review | Muscles & Mayhem – American Gladiators Dec 4, 2023 51:22 During its seven year stint, the competition show American Gladiators changed the face of television, creating the path for popular hits like Wipe Out and The Floor is Lava. But the there’s more to the story than tight spandex and obstacle courses. In this episode, we dive into the makings of a show with a great concept, but poor execution. From strung out steroid fights to terrible work condition

TBG – #43: Movie Review | The Pez Outlaw Oct 30, 2023 36:23 Box-tops scandals, customs loopholes and black market deals sound like the true-crime story of a sleuthy bootlegger. In reality, it’s a tale of a midwestern man with a knack for reselling collectibles. In this episode, we discuss The Pez Outlaw, a documentary on an eccentric hustler who finds fortune in peddling liscensed Pez dispensers. From international disputes to cutthroat price wars, we revi

TBG – #42: Book Review | Beating the Odds Oct 9, 2023 41:21 Eddie Brown is the living definition of “slow by steady wins the race.” Rising from poverty to heading a capital management firm worth over $17 billion, Brown’s memoir, Beating the Odds, describes his path of taking calculated risks to achieve his goals. A stark contrast to today’s narrative of sensationalized entreprenuership, we discuss how Brown’s thoughtful approach to building his business is

TBG – #41: Interview | Abdul Karim Abdullah, Afrofuture Sep 9, 2023 29:04 Founder of Afro Future, a cultural gathering uniting the African diaspora in Ghana, Abdullah is on a mission to spread the stories of local Africans beyond the continent. His bootstrapped efforts have landed him as a speaker at SXSW and featured in Forbes Africa. Listen as we discuss his cultural beginnings and the challenges faced when running an international business. Learn more: https://www.a

TBG – #40: Interview | Mark Testa Returns Jul 15, 2023 40:37 Money doesn’t disappear, it moves. In this episode, we reconnect with Mark Testa, owner of Mark Stephen agency, who followed the money and breathed new life into his experiential events company. Listen as he talks about pivoting in real-time, from allowing remote work around the country to embracing new technologies and staying on top of budding trends. The pandemic might have tried to kill events

TBG – #39: Interview | Harlem Chocolate Factory Pt. 2 Jul 6, 2023 33:40 What do Oprah, Beyonce, and the CEO of Lowe’s have in common? They all had a hand in saving the Harlem Chocolate Factory. We continue our conversation with Jessica Spaulding, founder of the Harlem Chcocolate Factory, where she discusses the effects of the pandemic on her new store. Overcoming shipping disasters and finanical pitfalls with a positive community response, Spaulding bounces back from

TBG – #38: Interview | Harlem Chocolate Factory Pt. 1 Jun 23, 2023 47:34 Jessica Spaulding, a lifelong hustler and professional chocolatier understands the unexpected should be expected when starting your own business. Owner of the Harlem Chocolate Factory, Spaulding takes us on a journey of rebellion, luck, and overcoming obstacles. From entering business plan competitions to opening up a chocolate shop in the heart of Harlem, she details how she finessed her finances

TBG – #37– Claudia DaRobi of Diverse Citi Apr 22, 2023 41:04 These days, businesses can be more than just turning a profit. On a mission to combine people, purpose, and profit, DiverseCiti offers resources to ambitious entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. This week we chat with DiverseCiti’s CEO, Claudia DaRobi, and a member of its community, Dr. Benita Ledet, about the impact businesses can make on its environment. We’ll discuss key opportunit

TBG – #36 – Movie Review: Lionheart Mar 1, 2023 44:34 Lionheart is a modern Nollywood drama depicting the journey of a daughter trying to save her family’s business. As her father’s health declines, Adaeze takes on the challenge of keeping the business alive, alongside her uncle in a turn of dramatic and comedic events. In this episode we discuss the blend of Nigerian culture and capitalism in a mixed economy, and how family politics plays a part in

TBG – #35 – Book Review | Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? Feb 7, 2023 49:11 Reginald F. Lewis was one of the wealthiest black men in the 80’s, becoming the first to close a billion dollar leveraged buyout deal. In this episode, we review the book “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun”, a biography of Lewis’ short, but powerful life, and discuss the makings of a billionaire. A titan of his time, Lewis paved the way for future entrepreneurs and demonstrated that all dream

TBG – #34 – Movie Review: The Rise and Fall of AND1 Dec 28, 2022 48:18 The faceless basketball player logo of AND1 is as memorable as the story behind the brand. Listen as we discuss the rise and missteps of this cultural clothing staple, through the lens of the Netflix documentary, Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1. From employee burnout to unfair compensation practices, we identify common issues that arise from capitalizing on cultural trends.

TBG – #33 – Starting A Business During a Recession Dec 13, 2022 40:48 They say some of the biggest ideas and companies are born out of a recession, but is that true? In this episode, we discuss the current state of the economy and what that means for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture. We’ll talk about how to take advantage of a downturn, leaning into your bargaining power, and why waiting for ‘the right time’ to start a business may not be the best strate

TBG – #32 – Book Review | Psychology of Money Nov 5, 2022 50:37 Your relationship with money always starts with your mind. In this episode we dive into the book, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, and discuss the financial short stories and behaviors associated with personal finance. We’ll talk about how money determines the way we relate to others, ourselves, and our potential future and share a few of our own personal opinions on creating a wealth-min

TBG – #31 – Interview: Maurice Cherry Nov 2, 2022 55:33 Maurice Cherry’s name holds weight in the design and media industry. A designer, strategist, podcaster, and pioneering digital creator located in Atlanta, GA, Cherry founded the award-winning podcast, Revision Path, Lunch., a creative studio, and co-owns a production company called Cultural Algorithms. Safe to say, the man is BUSY. From monetizing podcasts to pursuing passion projects over profit,

TBG – #30 – Balance and Hustle Culture Oct 4, 2022 46:00 Every day we're hustling, but at what cost? In this episode, we discuss hustle culture mentality and some of the pitfalls that may come with it when running a business. We also discuss if there is such a thing as having balance when trying to start and run a successful company. Tune in to hear our take on the topic and ponder if there is a way to reach a happy medium.

TBG – #29 – Movie Review: The Banker Feb 25, 2022 50:19 Building wealth while black has never been easy. In this episode, we review “The Banker”, a movie based on a true story of two ambitious black men who became bankers and landowners in the 1950’s. Fighting against racism and financial gatekeeping, we discuss the journey of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris and key lessons learned that still apply to today’s business world. Tune in to hear our thoughts

TBG – #28 – Case Study: LEGO Feb 8, 2022 41:02 Legos, the classic interlocking blocks toy, wasn’t always a hit. First introduced in wooden form and later shifting into the colorful plastic blocks we know and love today, Legos went through tumultuous times to stay on top. From reviving the company after owing millions of dollars to overcoming PR nightmares, we discuss the countless (and largely unknown) challenges the company faced. We also cov

TBG – #27 – BOOK REVIEW: Essentialism Jan 15, 2022 37:11 If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will. With work-life balance at a premium, balancing priorities is a must. But the question is always, how? In this episode, we discuss Greg McKeown’s Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, a book about directing your most precious resources (time and energy) on doing only what is essential. We review the power of saying no, the importance of

TBG – #26 – Interview: Ariana Smith Dec 8, 2021 36:02 Here’s some free legal advice: trademark your s**t. If anyone knows anything about new business formation, it’s Ariana Smith. Founder and managing attorney of AC Smith Law Firm, Smith helps entrepreneurs and small businesses secure their intellectual property via trademarks, contracts, more. We sat down with Smith to discuss her legal journey, how she started two legal firms, and what key advice

TBG – #25 – Lifestyle Business Nov 17, 2021 37:25 Most businesses fall into two buckets: those built for scale, and those built for maintaining a lifestyle. We peel back the layers of lifestyle businesses, a venture created solely for founders to maintain and enjoy a particular way of life. Breaking down the basic principles of creating a lifestyle business, we discuss key points to determine if this business type is right for you.

TBG – #24 – Topic Discussion: Taking L’s Oct 26, 2021 38:46 Consistent winners are also the biggest losers. We’re conditioned to think that great ideas always turn into successful businesses when in fact, entrepreneurs fail more times than most. In this humbling episode, we dig through our past to uncover lessons learned from every L and how we used them to come out closer to the top the next time around. We discuss avoiding unnecessary stress with kill

TBG – #23 – Interview: Hugh Johnson – Founder of HAMJ Tax Services Sep 21, 2021 37:38 If you decide to leave a good job and start your own business, Mr. Hugh Johnson advises staying away from wet blankets. As founder and president of HAMJ accounting services, Mr. Johnson learned not to share his dreams with everyone, especially those that would deter him from pursuing them. We walk through how he started his business with limited capital and tight deadlines, and succeeded by keepin

TBG – #22 – Book Review: 4 hour Work Week Jun 4, 2021 41:36 If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that there’s more than one way to work. But even pre-Covid, Tim Ferris was always in favor of dramatically changing the way we operate in the workplace. In this episode, we discuss Ferris’ best-selling book, 4 Hour Work Week, and the dramatic recommendations he suggests to improve your life. From reducing daily email checks to speed reading, we delve int

TBG – #21 – Movie Review: Ford V Ferrari May 23, 2021 45:02 Trying to make a good business decision? Check your ego at the door. We review the movie, Ford vs. Ferrari, a historical sports drama depicting the fierce battle between the two automobile giants. Along the way, we uncover character types and questionable business scenarios influenced by egos rather than expert advice and data.

TBG – #20 – Discussion: Non Profits Apr 15, 2021 41:08 Did you know Ikea is a non profit? With so many types of nonprofits (and their close cousin, not for profits) it can be a confusing business setup. Simone Wellington, community outreach manager for various non profits, joins us to discuss the benefits, challenges and misconceptions of nonprofits, and why they’re important to society.

TBG – #19 – Case Study : Mailchimp Apr 15, 2021 39:33 Email marketing isn’t sexy, but it is essential to a business’ success. Mailchimp may be a common name now, but during its 17 years of growth, the company was unlike any of the glorious startup valuations we’ve become accustomed to. Join us as we discuss Mailchimp’s beginnings, how they grew their business without venture capital, and how they continue to over serve their customer base of small to

TBG – #18 – Movie Review | Startup.com Mar 18, 2021 43:20 Great ideas don’t always turn into great businesses. We discuss the chaotic dot com era and Startup.com, a documentary that covers the rise and rapid fall of one company, Govworks. Startup.com may be 20 years old, but the lessons we uncover from this cautionary tale are still relatable when starting a business today.

TBG – #17 – Topic Discussion: The Cost to be the Boss Feb 20, 2021 45:59 Starting your own business can get pricey real fast, but it may not be as expensive as you think. We discuss some of the initial startup costs to consider when developing your idea. From creating a digital presence and advertising your services, to getting incorporated and hiring your first team members, we provide a quick primer on what it takes to be the boss.

TBG – #16 – Book Review: Built to Sell Jan 27, 2021 53:27 You know how to start a business, but do you know how to sell it when the opportunity arrives? We review the book “Built to Sell”, by John Warrillow, a guide on building businesses that can succeed without you. We discuss relatable stories from the book including traits to make your business sellable, how to separate yourself from the product, and how to position your exit strategy in front of inv

TBG – #15 – Case Study: BlackBerry Rim Dec 8, 2020 38:22 You might think Apple was the sole pioneer in the smartphone industry. But have you heard of Research In Motion? Better known by their BlackBerry brand, BlackBerry RIM paved the way for instant messaging, working on the go, and corporate connectivity. We discuss the company’s humble beginnings, its wildly drunken success, and the final return to its roots.

TBG – #14 – Interview with Lynya Floyd Oct 29, 2020 51:43 How do you know when to leave a job for a side hustle? Lynya Floyd, life coach, writer and media consultant, describes the path she took to make this challenging transition. Comparing her journey to a symphony, Floyd walks through all of the instruments she had to sync up to fully pursue her passion. Sharing valuable tips on pricing your worth and building up an online presence, she reminds hersel

TBG – #13 – Topic Discussion: Franchises Oct 7, 2020 48:51 Franchising is one of the many ways to start a business and build wealth — but is it worth it? More than fast food joints, franchising has a long history as well as opportunities in different industries. From startup costs to brand recognition, we discuss the pros and cons of investing in a franchise and why it could be beneficial for certain personality types.

TBG – #12 – Interview: Plant Based For You Sep 16, 2020 49:58 What’s the difference between vegetarian and vegan? Jason John and Monica-Wright John, founders of Plant Based For You, explain the diet differences as well as why they created a business around healthier living. Starting their story in the 90’s and growing their careers and family, the Johns outline their motives for the vegan life as they build their brand through word of mouth, maintain respect

TBG – #11 – Movie Review: The Founder Sep 2, 2020 48:59 We review The Founder, a film that uncovers the beginnings of McDonald’s franchising business. We’ll discuss important business lessons like how to pick the right business partners and innovate during profitable times, as well as share our opinions on the film.

TBG – #10 – Interview: Carols Daughter Founder Lisa Price Aug 19, 2020 53:18 From selling homemade wax concoctions out of her home to getting beauty counters in Sephora, Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s […]

TBG – #9 – Business Cycles with UNWRP Aug 3, 2020 32:45 Business cycles are made of high and low seasons. We chat with Ashley Fouyolle, graphic designer and founder of UNWRP, who started a seasonal business creating designer gift wrapping paper. Fouyolle explains the challenges around attracting customers past the holiday season, the pains and lessons learned from business growth, and the power of online resources to overcome blindspots

TBG – #8 – Interview: Kreyol Essence Haitian Castor Oil Jul 15, 2020 57:20 Co-founder & COO of Kreyol Essence, Stéphane Jean-Baptiste shares his entrepreneurial inspiration around bringing natural and ethical Haitian beauty products to the mainstream. We discuss starting a business with your romantic partner, turning an idea into an MVP, focusing on customer needs, and more.

TBG – #7 – Book Review: Think and Grow Rich Jul 1, 2020 47:01 Success starts in the mind. In our second book review, we discuss the popular work, Think and Grow Rich, uncovering how to create material success from abstract thought. From understanding different kinds of imagination patterns to sidestepping procrastination pitfalls, we draw connections between desire and accomplishment.

TBG – #6 – Culture and Strategy Jun 22, 2020 58:03 Is it better to have a strong culture or a flawless strategy? We’ll discuss the common clash of each principle using real-world examples and explain why it’s important for growing businesses to strive for balance.

TBG – #5 – Case Study: Dell Jun 11, 2020 54:13 Starting out in a college dorm room and growing into a multi-million dollar company, Dell has spent the last 30+ years reinventing itself to remain a key player in the technology space. In this case study, we review pivotal points in the company’s history and discuss takeaways that can be applied to today’s modern business climate.

TBG – #4 – Business Interview: Mark Testa May 24, 2020 43:01 Live events may have taken a hit during COVID-19, but there are still ways to thrive in this changing business climate. We chat with Mark Testa, CEO of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, as he reflects on his past successes and shares key strategies to remain top of mind for his clients.

TBG- #3 – Covid-19 Business Impact May 7, 2020 46:51 What lessons can a pandemic teach a business? We sit down with Kendell Burton, business owner, designer and art director as he shares his thoughts on the impact COVID-19 has on companies. From being too big to fail to spreading yourself thin, we cover viewpoints on how a business can operate to stay afloat in challenging times.

TBG – #2 – Book Review: The Lean Startup Apr 23, 2020 37:43 From vanity metrics to data-informed decisions, The Lean Startup covers important foundational pieces when building out a new product or idea. Listen as the hosts explain their favorite takeaways from the book and how starting with less can help your business grow smarter.

TBG – #1 – Show Introduction Apr 23, 2020 4:29 Learn more about the hosts, Danny Shaw and Sean Micheal Wellington as they dive into their backgrounds, inspiration for starting the Business Grind and what to expect as they deconstruct the multilayered world of business.

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