Coffee & Grit

Loud Mouth Studio
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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🎙️ Welcome to Coffee & Grit, where stories are served information with soul! Dive into the wild terrain of entrepreneurship & visionary leadership with Jason Tracey as he nterviews resilient individuals who have conquered the jungle of business and community impact. Each episode is jam packed with powerful insights and inspiration to fuel your own journey. Join us as we sip on tales of triumph, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Subscribe now and let's brew success together, one story at a time! ☕💼 #CoffeeAndGrit #Entrepreneurship #VisionaryLeadership #PersonalDevelopment Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

  1. Stop Marketing. Start Belonging

    2D AGO

    Stop Marketing. Start Belonging

    What is up everybody?!?Welcome back to another episode of Coffee & Grit! I’ve got a returning guest in the studio today my friend Desiree Martinez, fresh off writing her new book Stop Marketing and Start Belonging… and this conversation is a wake-up call for every business owner who feels like they’re doing “all the marketing things” but still not getting the traction they want. We get into the real stuff: -Why community still beats content -Why the old-school “boots on the ground” approach is more powerful than ever -How we’re entering a new era where it’s not human vs internet…it’s human + AI — -And the people who learn to blend both are going to win.  If you’ve been hiding behind your screen… if networking makes you nervous… or if you’re tired of chasing algorithms and want to build something that actually lasts this one’s for you. Links mentioned in the episode: Desiree’s book: Stop Marketing and Start Belonging: https://2dandelionsbookshop.com/search?q=stop%20marketing%20and%20start%20belongingDesiree’s community: The Table-The Four Conversations by Blair Enns-https://2dandelionsbookshop.com/search?q=the%20four%20conversationsDesiree’s previous Coffee & Grit episode: https://youtu.be/8QYys1mRaXM?si=eBHOrtqyfQ4Yo8soAlright… let’s get into it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    1h 6m
  2. The Little Things Become The Big Things

    FEB 2

    The Little Things Become The Big Things

    What is up everybody? Welcome back to another episode of Coffee & Grit. I’ve got my guy Steven Betel-The Mortgage Family Man-back in the studio for round two, and this one goes way deeper than we planned. It starts with “the little things” such as mics, systems, daily habits and turns into a real conversation about life, presence, relationships, and what it actually means to build something that matters. This episode is about breaking autopilot. About realizing that the little things aren’t small at all...they’re the difference between life flying by and life actually being lived. We talk about: -Why life starts to blur when you’re stuck in routine -How systems create freedom, not restriction -Why people don’t buy titles...they buy trust  -The power of asking one more question -And the trade-offs between “success” and being present for the moments that matter most If you’re building a business, creating content, or just trying to figure out how to do life with intention instead of chaos, this conversation is going to hit home. If you want to change your life, stop waiting for a big moment. Start owning the little ones. Grab your coffee and let’s get into it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    1h 11m
  3. Finding Purpose Traveling Outside The Comfort Zone

    JAN 25

    Finding Purpose Traveling Outside The Comfort Zone

    Featuring Siobhan Reigle, entrepreneur, sports mom, and purpose-chaser who went from “I don’t even know what a Reel is” to building a brand (and a business) online.  One uncomfortable post at a time.  This one hit different because Siobhan isn’t just a Difference Maker out in the wild.  She’s family. And what I love about this conversation is that it’s not some polished “overnight success” story. It’s a real, human journey: Ireland ➝ Grand Cayman ➝ Key West ➝ the Coast Guard life across the country ➝ back home to Michigan… and now stepping into a new chapter where faith, grit, and consistency are the engine. We talk about the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the cringe posts, the imposter syndrome, the mental battle of being seen, and the temptation to quit when results aren’t immediate. Siobhan opens up about the strength built through military life, the resilience of raising kids while constantly moving, and a powerful recovery journey that helped her reclaim her life and purpose.  And then we get into what she’s building now with MWR Life (Making Wishes Real).  A travel membership + business model that’s teaching her discipline, mindset, and how to lead… even when it’s uncomfortable.  In this episode, you’ll hear stories (aka data with soul) about: What happens when God answers your prayer for purpose… and the answer scares youWhy “being seen” is a mindset battle before it’s a marketing strategyHow military life (and constant moves) can forge resilience and leadershipThe difference between chasing money vs building from missionWhy consistency is boring… and also the whole gameHow to stop living in your head and start living in actionThe truth about network marketing, relationships, and not sounding “spammy”The line that hit hard: we’re meant to please God and serve people… but we keep trying to please people and serve GodIf you’re a mom, a mid-life purpose seeker, or someone staring at your life thinking, “Is this it?”… this conversation is for you. Because it’s never too late to rewrite the story. Sometimes the most powerful “new beginning” starts with one simple decision: Stop waiting to feel ready… and start showing up anyway. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    1h 3m
  4. Developing The Negatives

    JAN 15

    Developing The Negatives

    Happy New Year everybody, as we kick off the 1st episode recorded in 2026. In the conversation with Noreen Owens is one of those conversations that reminds me why I started Coffee & Grit in the first place. Because yeah… we literally had to re record it... Technology did what technology does sometimes, and I had that “kicked in the stomach” moment where you realize you just burned an hour of another entrepreneur’s time. But here’s the funny part. Every time I’ve had to re record an episode in the last six years, it ends up being better. And this one absolutely was. Noreen is the owner of Noreen Owens Photography and she’s been in business for over 20 years. She’s the real deal. A former corporate sales rep who looked at her life, her family, and the pace she was running at… and made the leap. Not because she had it all figured out. But because she knew there had to be something better. What I loved about this conversation is that it starts with photography… and then it turns into something way deeper. We talk about why portraits matter more than people think. How a family photo becomes priceless when life hits you out of nowhere. How a camera isn’t the magic… the experience is. How to get real smiles from toddlers, skeptical husbands, and everyone in between. Then we go even deeper into the work she does that isn’t just “taking pictures.” Noreen created The Who I Am Project for teens, built out of her own story of being bullied and rejected in middle school. It’s a confidence and self acceptance experience that helps kids see themselves differently. Some of the stories she shares hit hard in the best way. And for women, her boudoir work is the same mission in a different form. Helping women walk out of a session standing taller, seeing themselves with new eyes, and realizing they are far more powerful than the voice in their head has been telling them. We also got into the fun side of her world too. Animals. Themes. Santa experiences that feel like actual magic. Ducklings. Fairies. Wizards. Seniors. Pets. And yes… a turkey named Leonard who apparently thought he was married and also hit on people during the session. And here’s the cool part. Noreen is opening a brand new studio in May near M 59 and US 23, and the way she talks about building a team, building experiences, and constantly learning… it’s a masterclass in what it looks like to grow something with intention. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s ever felt that pull that says “there has to be more than this…” If you’ve ever thought about turning something you love into a real business… Or if you just want a reminder that the things you’ve walked through might be the exact thing that equips you to help other people… This episode is for you. Go listen. And then go book the family photos you keep saying you’ll do “someday.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    55 min
  5. Taking the Transaction Out of the Interaction

    JAN 8

    Taking the Transaction Out of the Interaction

    Featuring Kristie Risner, Regal Payments This one started as a content session out of Difference Maker Bootcamp… and it got way too real, way too fast to keep it tucked away. Because what you’re about to hear isn’t “a credit card processing episode.”It’s a story about becoming someone new. It’s about walking out of corporate survival mode and into community, purpose, and conviction.  Kristie came into Bootcamp as the behind the scenes problem solver. The “fix the mess sales made” person. The wallflower. The one who would sit in her car outside a networking event for 40 minutes trying to talk herself into going inside. And now? Now people in the community know her name. Clients employees affectionately call her “the credit card girl” and hug her when she walks in. She’s showing up door to door. She’s building trust in an industry that most people consider slimy. She’s the one business owners trust because she’ll do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest thing.  This episode is what happens when you stop thinking sales is about money…and you start seeing it for what it really is: Serving. Solving. Building trust. And fighting for people’s future. In this episode, we get into: How Coffee & Grit even became a thing From a GoPro in coffee shops… to 60 episodes… to almost quitting… to the moments and relationships that kept pulling the mission forward.The mindset shift that changes everything in sales When you stop trying to “close” and start trying to solve… the entire game changes.Why “saving money” is rarely the real win Kristie breaks down how the real value is often automation, time saved, better cash flow, less stress, next day funding, and a smoother business.The power of consistently showing up The story of the business owner who kept pushing her off… until life forced a decision… and her persistence turned into trust.Walking through fear and building the networking muscle From trauma level anxiety… to finding your tribe… to becoming the person other people ask, “Can you show me how you do that?”Community is the real currency How relationships, the Howell Chamber, and the Livingston Business Hub created momentum, belonging, and a support system you can’t buy.The deeper story behind entrepreneurship Divorce. Shame. Healing. Finding people who get it. And realizing the “business” is sometimes just the vehicle for a bigger calling.Kristie is proof of something I say all the time: You don’t become confident first. You earn it by doing the hard things while you’re still scared. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re not a “sales person”… if you’ve ever felt stuck in your head… if you’ve ever been afraid to be seen… This episode is going to hit you right in the chest. Because it’s not about merchant services. It’s about becoming a Difference Maker. And once you taste that life… you can’t go back. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    1h 11m
  6. Confidence, Clarity, & Compelling Conversations

    12/11/2025

    Confidence, Clarity, & Compelling Conversations

    What is up to all my Difference Makers out there? This week it’s just you and me in the studio. A meeting got rescheduled, the room was quiet, and I had two stories sitting heavy on my heart so I hit record. What came out is part networking smackdown, part mindset reset, and part faith-filled gut check for anyone stuck in their own head right now.  We start with a moment from a recent networking group. A nervous guest blows past her one-minute intro… and keeps going… and going… and going. Someone finally steps in and “plays the bad guy” by cutting her off – and as uncomfortable as it felt, he said what everyone was thinking. That moment became the spark for this episode: 👉 What does it really mean to be kind? 👉 And how often does “being nice” actually hurt people more than it helps? From there, I connect it to a real conversation from this morning’s Difference Maker Bootcamp – with someone talented, gifted, and stuck deep in a rut they’ve been rehearsing for over a year. Same pattern. Different room. We say we want change. But we keep collecting reasons instead of opportunities. In this episode, we dig into:The truth about networking intros Why your 60-second “member minute” is not about closing a sale – it’s about building know, like, and trust and sparking compelling conversations outside the room.The Compelling Conversation Framework How having a clear, practiced framework for your intro kills anxiety, keeps you on track, and actually makes people want to ask you more.Kind vs. “nice” Why telling someone “you did great” when they clearly didn’t isn’t kindness – it’s sabotage. Real kindness is honest, uncomfortable feedback that sets them up to win.Living in the pit vs. climbing out The bootcamp participant who keeps reciting every reason life is hard… and how that focus keeps her stuck, even though the opportunities are right in front of her.Faith, the Bible & success principles How my recent deep dive into scripture and Myron Golden’s work cracked open what I’ve always believed about grit, purpose, and walking through fear.Seeing opportunity in chaos The COVID story: when almost all my small business clients paused coaching, and instead of folding, I realized… “Wait, this is my time. This is what I was built for.”The Eat Faces mindset Why we have to stop obsessing over what we can’t control – and start asking one simple question: “Where is my opportunity in this?”This is a short, punchy solo episode – but if you’ve been:Rambling through networking introsOver-explaining your situation to anyone who’ll listenSitting in the pit replaying everything that’s wrongTelling yourself “there’s no opportunity for me”…then this one is your wake-up call. It’s time to stop hiding behind “nice” and start embracing the kind of honesty that actually moves you forward. It’s time to get out of the hole. It’s time to eat some faces. It’s time to have faith that things are going to work out and then move like they will. Hit play, Difference Maker. Then go find the opportunity that’s been sitting right in front of you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    19 min
  7. Hell Is Meeting The Person You Could Have Been

    12/05/2025

    Hell Is Meeting The Person You Could Have Been

    Featuring Sparkle Lindsay| Worldwide Trainer, Coach, Author, Speaker & Founder of Sparkle LLC What happens when you sit down in person with someone who’s been walking this journey with you for years… and you finally get to throw the virtual world aside and dig into the real stuff? This is Part 2 of our in-studio conversation with Sparkle Lindsay, recorded during her visit to Loud Mouth Studios on September 11th. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 (released September 24th), you’ll want to catch that one too, but this episode stands strong on its own. And let me tell you…we went deep. Sparkle and I dive into the uncomfortable truth that every entrepreneur, creator, and Difference Maker eventually has to face: You cannot become who you’re meant to be without shedding who you used to be. This entire episode is a masterclass in shedding.  Shedding fear, shedding comfort, shedding the need for permission, shedding the old identity that kept you small, and stepping into the version of yourself you know has been waiting. In this episode, we unpack: The fear of success and why it often scares us more than failureThe moment you know it’s time to let go — of roles, routines, relationships, even places that once felt like homeWhat happens when divine timing forces your hand, even when you don't feel readyWhy entrepreneurs miss their biggest opportunities because they're too focused on chaos instead of visionHow Sparkle built a national training empire from a single student, scholarships, and pure gritThe universal “shed cycle” every visionary hits right before they level upThe truth about serving others when you’re the leader… and why helpers burn out when no one helps themThe danger of dragging people with you who aren’t healing, growing, or alignedHow addiction recovery and entrepreneurship mirror each other more than anyone realizesWhy your purpose only reveals itself AFTER you’re willing to evolve“Hell is meeting the person you could have been.” That’s the heartbeat of this entire conversation. This episode is raw. It’s real. It’s emotional. It’s a roadmap for anyone standing on the edge of the next chapter — scared, excited, overwhelmed, and about to break through. If you’re in a season of transition… If you feel the shed coming… If you’re building something bigger than yourself…This one is going to hit your soul. Pull up a chair. The time is now. Let’s get into Part 2. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    57 min
  8. Reaching Higher & Getting Back To Where We Started

    11/27/2025

    Reaching Higher & Getting Back To Where We Started

    Featuring Steve Livingway, Director at Reaching Higher for Youth What if we stopped trying to fix kids and started helping them return to who they were before fear took over? In this powerful episode, Steve Livingway joins Jason Tracey to share the mission behind Reaching Higher.  A leadership program that doesn’t hand out answers, but helps students rediscover the truth they were born with: that they matter, that they belong, and that they have the power to lead. After two decades as a principal, Steve walked away from the office to step back into classrooms, gyms, and courtrooms.  Meeting kids where they are and reminding them of who they were before the world told them to sit down and be quiet.Because confidence isn’t built. It’s remembered. Stories are data with soul: Why Reaching Higher doesn’t teach leadership it activates itThe difference between potential, emerging, & proven leaders.  Plus why every kid fitsHow limiting beliefs and fear sabotage purpose before it startsRewiring the mindset: planting powerful thoughts instead of toxic liesThe ripple effect of impact: how this work transforms entire families and school culturesWhy vulnerability and authenticity from adults change everythingHow a retired principal fell in love with teaching againThe adult version of Reaching Higher and why it’s never too lateThis isn’t soft. This is soul work. It’s grit-building, truth-speaking, and power-reclaiming. Because every kid still has the confidence of their four-year-old self buried inside Reaching Higher just helps them find it again. Steve Livingway Director, Reaching Higher 4 Youth Reaching Higher Inc. Reaching Higher Inc. PO Box 1179 Brighton, MI 48116 web: https://reachinghigherinc.org/ cell: 517.294.9930 Jason Tracey www.roar.consulting  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    1h 19m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

🎙️ Welcome to Coffee & Grit, where stories are served information with soul! Dive into the wild terrain of entrepreneurship & visionary leadership with Jason Tracey as he nterviews resilient individuals who have conquered the jungle of business and community impact. Each episode is jam packed with powerful insights and inspiration to fuel your own journey. Join us as we sip on tales of triumph, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Subscribe now and let's brew success together, one story at a time! ☕💼 #CoffeeAndGrit #Entrepreneurship #VisionaryLeadership #PersonalDevelopment Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Loud Mouth Studio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    241
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Coffee & Grit