Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch

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. 2D AGO

    “The Innovator’s Trap: Building Genius. Selling Confusion” on Mike and Blaine

    Send us a text Ever build something truly game-changing… only to watch your audience go glassy-eyed the moment you demo it? In this episode, Mike and Blaine break down The Innovator’s Trap—that painful gap between building something brilliant and actually getting people to understand (and buy) it.  We dig into why powerful features confuse prospects, how founders accidentally over-explain themselves into oblivion, and the psychology behind why customers don’t “get it” even when the value is obvious to you.  From AI tools to cash flow platforms to startup war stories, we explore the real reasons innovation lands with a thud instead of a round of applause—and how to communicate your product in a way that actually creates demand. If you’ve ever delivered a demo, watched enthusiasm evaporate, and thought “Oh no… I’ve made a mistake,” this episode will feel uncomfortably relatable. #innovation #founders #startups #productmarketing #salesstrategy Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q5lqjFlK8DA Buy us a beer and keep the show rolling at mikeandblaine.com! Featured Beer: @ResidentCulture Mike: Neighbour Pat’s “Brown Mild” Blaine: Resident Culture “Turnstyle” IPA Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    59 min
  2. DEC 11

    “Why Great Client Relationships Start With Listening” on Mike and Blaine

    Send us a text In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the uncomfortable truth every entrepreneur, advisor, and salesperson eventually faces: sometimes we talk way too much. And when we do, we lose deals, disconnect from clients, and miss the gold hidden in the conversation. Using a tongue-in-cheek comparison between therapists and vendors, the guys break down why the 70/30 rule (listen 70%, talk 30%) is a business superpower—and how mastering silence can actually make you more persuasive, more trusted, and more profitable.  Expect candid confessions, a few hilarious self-owns, and practical takeaways on empathy, communication, and understanding what your customers really need. If you want to deepen relationships, close more deals, and stop sabotaging your own conversations, this episode hits home. #MikeAndBlaine #EntrepreneurLife #SalesTips #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipSkills Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jfDgVT5ssvo Buy us a beer and keep the show rolling at mikeandblaine.com! Featured Beer: @twopitchersbeer @pinnaclebrewing Mike: Two Pitchers Brewing “Nordic Jam” Fruited Lager Blaine: Pinnacle Brewing Company “Rescued” Hazy IPA in support of Foothills Animal Rescue https://foothillsanimal.org Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    56 min
  3. NOV 27

    “Is Humor the Secret Sales Weapon? The Real ROI of Making People Laugh” on Mike and Blaine

    Send us a text Some marketing campaigns leave you laughing for days—and reaching for your wallet—while others land with the grace of a broken shopping cart. In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive deep into one of the most misunderstood (and most powerful) tools in business: humor. We break down why the funniest ads stick in your brain, how laughter builds trust faster than any pitch deck, and when a joke becomes a branding disaster instead of a breakthrough. From iconic Super Bowl commercials to small-town ads that somehow went viral, we explore the psychology behind why comedy boosts engagement, improves recall, and can even drive explosive revenue when done right. We also share the risks: the jokes that miss the mark, the brands that misread the room, and the moments when “being funny” becomes “being forgotten.” Throughout the episode, Mike and Blaine share personal stories, business lessons, and a few questionable punchlines of their own—because sometimes the best way to understand humor in sales is to laugh through the mistakes. Whether you’re crafting an ad, pitching a client, or just trying not to be boring on social media, this episode will show you how to use humor strategically, confidently, and profitably. Tune in for a fun, insightful look at how comedy can elevate your brand and turn casual attention into real results. 👉 Like what you hear? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and support the show! #MikeAndBlaine #BusinessPodcast #MarketingHumor #FunnyAds #AdvertisingStrategy #BrandEngagement #Entrepreneurship #SalesTips #BusinessGrowth #ContentMarketing #MarketingStrategy #CustomerEngagement #SmallBusinessMarketing #CreativeBranding #Virality #SuperBowlAds #BrandPersonality #HumorInBusiness #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #BusinessInsights Featured Beer: @themoabbrewery @trippinganimals Mike: Moab Brewery “Johnny’s American IPA” Blaine: Tripping Animals Brewing Co. “Sun Juju” DDH IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ftMc5oim3VQ Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    57 min
  4. NOV 20

    Cracking the Personality Code: Mastering Communication, Culture, and Connection in Business | Mike and Blaine Podcast

    Send us a text Ever tried to close a deal with someone who just stares at you while you nervously ramble for ten minutes? Or maybe you’ve worked with a team that values harmony over hustle—and you can’t quite figure out why. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we’re tackling the ultimate business challenge: understanding people. From decoding personality types and cultural expectations to avoiding the silent landmines of miscommunication, this episode will change how you approach every conversation. Mike and Blaine break down real-world examples of how personality clashes can derail deals, strain partnerships, and kill productivity—and how mastering emotional intelligence and communication styles can flip those situations into success stories. Whether it’s a client who craves blunt honesty, a partner who avoids confrontation, or a team that operates by unspoken rules, we’ll show you how to navigate it all with humor, empathy, and strategy. Get ready for a fun, insightful ride through the psychology of business relationships and discover why understanding people might be the most underrated skill in entrepreneurship. Don’t just listen—level up your communication game and start connecting in a whole new way. 👉 Like what you hear? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and support the show! #MikeAndBlaine #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalityTypes #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #BusinessMindset #WorkplaceCulture #SuccessTips #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessGrowth #TeamDynamics #SoftSkills #BusinessCommunication #SelfAwareness #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessRelationships #SalesTips #PersonalDevelopment Featured Beer: @prairieartisanales @HubbardsCave Mike: Prairie Artisan Ales “‘Merica Y’All’ Hazy IPA Blaine: Hubbard’s Cave “Vanilla Skyline” Imperial Stout Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H8WWmNLVtpY Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    59 min
  5. NOV 12

    When KPIs Lie: Why Hitting Your Numbers Can Still Sink Your Business | Mike and Blaine

    Send us a text Every dashboard tells you you’re winning — green lights, perfect metrics, record performance. But if the business still feels stuck, it might be because you’re chasing the wrong numbers. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we tackle the myth of “magic KPIs” and why metrics can sometimes blind you instead of guide you.  We share the real stories behind times we crushed every goal on paper but still almost crashed the business — and how we learned to separate meaningful results from vanity stats. Whether you’re a numbers nerd, a business owner, or just tired of chasing the scoreboard, this episode will help you focus on what truly drives progress (and profits). 🎙️ Grab a cold one and tune in — because sometimes, hitting your numbers means missing the point. 🍺 Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversation going! #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #KPIs #smallbusiness #leadership #MikeAndBlaine #podcast #businessgrowth #beerandbusiness #mikeandblainepodcast Featured Beer: @derivebeer Mike: Neighbour Pat’s take on Ruddle’s County Ale Blaine: Dérive “Froufrou Villain” NEIPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F7vVmr7PwKk Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    57 min
  6. OCT 30

    Does “Under Promise and Over Deliver” Still Work in Today’s World? | Mike & Blaine Podcast

    Send us a text It’s one of the oldest rules in business—under promise and over deliver. But is it still the best strategy in today’s fast-moving, client-driven world? In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the delicate dance of managing expectations. Should you build trust with small wins or aim high and hope you can pull it off? They’ll share real-life stories where this rule saved a deal—and when it backfired spectacularly. Plus, a few beer-fueled thoughts on what it really takes to keep clients happy, loyal, and coming back for more. 👉 Watch, laugh, and learn with Mike & Blaine!  Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and catch every episode. #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ClientManagement #UnderPromiseOverDeliver #MikeAndBlaine #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #CustomerSuccess Featured Beer: @irrationalbrewing Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Porter…or Stout. It’s a mystery. Blaine: Irrational Brewing Company “Turbidity” DDH Oat Cream IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PD7gtj3iYuU Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com https://mikeandblaine.com Mikeandblaine, smallbusiness, cashflow, finance, beer, entrepreneur, craftbeer Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    54 min
  7. OCT 23

    “Less automation, more conversation.” Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever in Business

    Send us a text In an age of AI, automation, and remote everything, it’s easy to forget that business still runs on people. In this episode, Mike & Blaine dive into why relationships, trust, and genuine human connection are still the foundation of success—no matter how digital your business gets. We’re talking about making business personal again: building trust through conversations (not clicks), showing up for your clients, and finding the fun in working with real people instead of screens. Whether you’re leading a remote team, running a startup, or just trying to keep it human in a tech-driven world, this episode will remind you why relationships are still your biggest competitive advantage. Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and join the conversation! #businessrelationships #trust #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #leadership #humanconnection #remotework #networking #businessgrowth #mikeandblaine Featured Beer: @SamuelAdams @irrationalbrewing Mike: Samuel Adams “Summer Ale” Blaine: Irrational Brewing Company “Ethereal 20” New Zealand Pilsner Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G4egLiVoEXg Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat • Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    56 min
  8. OCT 16

    Smart Cuts: How to Reduce Business Expenses Without Killing Growth

    Send us a text In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we tackle one of the toughest parts of running a business—cutting costs without cutting corners. Some owners approach expense reduction like a surgeon—precise, deliberate, and strategic—while others swing the axe wildly and end up hurting their own growth. Mike and Blaine break down how to trim the fat and keep the muscle in your business. You’ll learn when to make small, smart cuts versus when to make bold moves, how to spot waste hiding in plain sight, and why your expense spreadsheet may be lying to you. We also share real stories from businesses that nailed their cost-cutting strategy—and a few that didn’t. If you’ve ever stared at your budget wondering what stays and what goes, this episode is your playbook for cutting the right way. #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #cashflow #mikeandblaine #businessgrowth #costcutting #financialmanagement #businessadvice #profitability 👉 Check out more episodes and support the show at mikeandblaine.com — and hey, buy us a beer while you’re there! 🍻 Featured Beer: @snakelakebrewco Mike: Voodoo Ranger “Atomic Pumpkin” Ale Blaine: Snake Lake “Backdraft” Red Rye IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OFTvdVDVits Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:  • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog  • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com • Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas! • Neighbor Pat • Devin • Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

    53 min
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!