Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch
  • 5.0 (24)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 4D AGO

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

    Send us Fan Mail At 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.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: 3ssmartconsulting.com  • Neighbor Pat  • Devin If 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 #ProfessionalAdvisory Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    58 min

  2. APR 30

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

    Send us Fan Mail Lately, 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/HneB8RYsvV8 We 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.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 Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com  • Neighbor Pat  • Devin If 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 #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    56 min

  3. APR 23

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

    Send us Fan Mail In 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/Rkb9wo9JXpA Listen to all our episodes and support the show by buying us a beer at mikeandblaine.com! We want to hear from you! beer@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: 3ssmartconsulting.com  • Neighbor Pat  • Devin Watch 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 #HarvardBusinessReview Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    54 min

  4. APR 9

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

    Send us Fan Mail At 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/OpsvdqkxGes 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 If 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  • Devin Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpsvdqkxGes #MainCharacterEnergy #MainCharacterSyndrome #InternetCulture #SocialMediaBehavior #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaTrends #MarketingTactics #MikeAndBlaine #TikTok #Instagram #Meta #LinkedIn #YouTube #AttentionEconomy #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    59 min

  5. APR 2

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

    Send us Fan Mail At 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-Uc Learn about: Cash Flow Mike: Training CPAs to provide world-class advisory services at cashflowmike.com Dryrun: Helping the office of the CFO get finance teams out of spreadsheets with automated cash flow forecasting at dryrun.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com  • Neighbor Pat  • Devin If 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 #BusinessPodcast Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    56 min

  6. MAR 20

    Authenticity vs. Corporate Strategy: The CEO Product Challenge

    Send us Fan Mail The internet recently discovered something hilarious and oddly satisfying: watching CEOs try their own products can be extremely uncomfortable. After the CEO of McDonald’s posted a video awkwardly tasting the new Big Arch burger, the internet immediately turned it into a meme—“I’d like to see the CEO of ____ try their own product.” This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we explore why this moment went viral, why customers love seeing executives tested by their own systems, and what it reveals about the growing gap between corporate leadership and everyday user experience. From a business strategy perspective, this isn't just about a funny video; it's about the "ivory tower" effect. When leadership loses touch with the tactical reality of their product or service, the brand equity begins to erode. We discuss how high-level strategy often fails because it ignores the friction points found in the daily user journey. Whether it’s an airline CEO flying economy or a telecom executive trying to navigate their own automated support line, authenticity in leadership starts with simply using—and understanding—the thing you sell. If your executive team can't use your product without a script or a handler, your business strategy has a fundamental flaw. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HV5XYVVSvns Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com  • Neighbor Pat  • Devin 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 Enjoying the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversation flowing! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HV5XYVVSvns #CEOChallenge #CorporateReality #CustomerExperience #InternetCulture #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #UserExperience #MarketingStrategy #McDonalds #Delta #Comcast #Starbucks #BrandAuthenticity #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    59 min

  7. MAR 11

    The Loneliness Economy: Why Companies Are Charging for Connection on Mike & Blaine

    Send us Fan Mail The "Loneliness Economy" is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world right now, and this week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we look at the surprising number of companies building massive revenue streams around the simple fact that people don’t want to be alone anymore. From Bumble BFF helping strangers become friends to Discord servers replacing physical hangouts and coworking spaces like WeWork recreating the offices we all said we hated, connection has quietly shifted from a social byproduct to a premium product.  We break down the business strategy and market tactics behind this shift, exploring why modern life made everyone more isolated and why brands are rushing to solve the crisis with subscription-based communities. Is belonging the most valuable asset a company can offer in 2026? We discuss how businesses are moving beyond the "follower" model of the early social media era and into the "belonging" model, where the strategic moat isn't just a product, but a culture.  Turns out the internet gave us followers, but now we’re paying for friends. Whether you’re a founder looking at community-led growth or a finance leader analyzing the ROI of human connection, this episode dives deep into the monetization of intimacy and the future of community-driven commerce. If you enjoyed this episode and want to help us keep the conversation going, head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kvnHURCT0Hw Featured Beer: @903Brewers @wrenhousebrewing Mike: 903 Brewing “Troop 903” Cream Ale Blaine: Wren House “Forty-Two Buckets” Czech Pale Lager  Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kvnHURCT0Hw #LonelinessEpidemic #LonelinessEconomy #CommunityCulture #CreatorEconomy #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #MikeAndBlaine #CommunityBuilding #FutureOfWork #SaaS #MarketTrends #WeWork #BumbleBFF #Discord #Starbucks #Meetup #HumanConnection #StartupGrowth Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    55 min

  8. MAR 5

    Should Brands Go Synthetic? The Rise of AI Influencers & the Future of Trust

    Send us Fan Mail AI influencers are no longer science fiction—they’re already in your feed, landing brand deals, and reshaping digital marketing strategy in real time. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we unpack the rapid rise of virtual creators, CGI personalities, and fully synthetic brand ambassadors that never sleep, never age, and never go off-script. From sponsored posts created by generative AI to entirely fictional personalities building massive followings, the line between human and machine is getting blurry fast—and most people don’t even realize it. We dig into why brands love AI influencers (total control, 24/7 scalability, no scandals, predictable messaging) and why audiences feel uneasy about it (authenticity gaps, trust erosion, emotional disconnect). Is this the next evolution of the creator economy—or the beginning of synthetic saturation? We explore what happens when automation meets influence, how platforms reward engagement over authenticity, and where the trust equation could start to crack. Then we flip it into the business lesson. Automation scales efficiency, but authenticity still drives loyalty. If you’re a founder, marketer, or executive thinking about AI content strategy, this episode breaks down the real tactical questions: • When does AI increase margin—and when does it dilute brand equity? • Can synthetic creators outperform human influencers in ROI? • What happens to customer trust when people don’t know what’s real anymore? • How should businesses balance automation with human storytelling? We also look at how major brands and platforms are navigating this shift, from experimental AI brand ambassadors to algorithm-driven content at scale. Whether you’re building a personal brand, managing a marketing team, or just trying to understand where digital culture is heading, this conversation gives you practical insight into how AI, branding, and business strategy intersect in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered whether the future of marketing is human—or synthetic—this episode is for you. Visit http://mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and support the show 🍺 Featured Beer: @903Brewers @wrenhousebrewing Mike: 903 Brewing “Troop 903” Cream Ale Blaine: Wren House “Forty-Two Buckets” Czech Pale Lager  Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAJVFbizmjY #AIInfluencer #CreatorEconomy #FutureOfMarketing #AIinMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #BrandStrategy #MarketingStrategy #ContentMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #GenerativeAI #VirtualInfluencer #TechTrends #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #Automation #BrandBuilding #AudienceGrowth #TrustInMarketing #Meta #Instagram #TikTok #YouTube #OpenAI #Google #Nvidia #AdobeCreativeCloud Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    56 min
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5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    230
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine
  • Show Website
    Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

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