Coffee & Grit

Loud Mouth Studio

🎙️ 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. 4d ago

    If It's Not A Yes Than It Is A No

    Most people don't struggle because they say yes too often. They struggle because they're afraid to say no. In this episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Ronda Vaughn for an honest conversation about boundaries, growth, leadership, and what it really takes to build a life that reflects your values instead of everyone else's expectations. Over the past two years, Ronda has expanded her business, grown her impact, embraced coaching, built a stronger team, and become even more intentional about the life she's creating. Along the way, she discovered one simple principle that has transformed the way she makes decisions: If it's not a yes, then it's a no. That mindset isn't about becoming selfish. It's about protecting your time, creating space for what matters most, and having the courage to make decisions that align with the future you're trying to build. Throughout our conversation, we also dive into the uncomfortable moments that every entrepreneur eventually faces. Difficult conversations with employees. Letting go of clients who are no longer the right fit. Stepping outside your comfort zone. Creating content even when you're afraid of being judged. Taking action before you feel completely ready. In this episode, we talk about: • Why boundaries create freedom • Having the conversations you've been avoiding • Building confidence through action • Growing your influence and community • The value of coaching and accountability • Becoming comfortable with uncomfortable growth One of my favorite moments from this conversation is realizing that confidence rarely comes first. Confidence is usually the result of doing the thing you were afraid to do. The entrepreneurs, leaders, and Difference Makers we admire aren't fearless. They've simply learned that growth happens on the other side of uncomfortable conversations, difficult decisions, and consistent action. If you've been carrying too much, saying yes to everyone, or waiting until you feel "ready," this conversation is the reminder you may need. Sometimes the most powerful word you can say isn't yes. It's no. And making room for the life you were actually meant to build. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    If It's Not  A Yes Than It Is A No
  2. Jul 27

    C&G 263 Many Bidets Pod

    Most people would rather avoid talking about bathroom problems. Daniel Johnson built an entire business by refusing to ignore them. In this episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with Daniel, founder of Many Bidets, for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly meaningful conversation about turning a painful personal experience into a company built around dignity, education, and service. Daniel spent years dealing with IBS, hemorrhoids, excessive wiping, pain, bleeding, and the anxiety of using anyone else’s bathroom. When he finally discovered a bidet, it dramatically improved his quality of life. He quickly realized that millions of other people were quietly living with the same pain, embarrassment, mobility challenges, and loss of independence. That personal problem became the foundation for Many Bidets, but the business grew because Daniel kept listening. He listened when customers needed better education. He listened when older adults struggled with complicated controls. He listened when people wanted to experience a product before buying it. He also listened to his employees and gave them room to grow into work that matched their strengths.  In this episode, we talk about: • Turning personal pain into purpose • Starting before everything is perfect • Building courage through hard seasons • Customer service as the real product • Restoring dignity and independence • Hiring for passion and ownership • Trusting your team as the business grows • Why scarcity leads to bad decisions One of the strongest ideas in this conversation is Daniel’s description of Many Bidets as a customer service company that sells bidets. That mindset shapes everything. The goal is not to push the most expensive product or force a sale. It is to understand the customer, remove the shame surrounding the problem, and help them find the solution that genuinely improves their life. This episode is a reminder that the problems people hide still deserve thoughtful solutions. Sometimes the experience you would rather forget becomes the exact experience that allows you to understand, serve, and make a difference for someone else. And sometimes courage is not something you begin with. It is something you acquire by surviving the hard seasons you thought might break you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    C&G 263 Many Bidets Pod
  3. Jul 20

    Surrender to Change: Finding Gain in Loss

    What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next chapter isn't change... it's the version of yourself you're afraid to leave behind? In this episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason sits down with leadership coach and EOS Implementer Dave Feidner for a powerful conversation about identity, leadership, and what it really takes to grow. Together, they unpack one of the biggest misconceptions about change: people don't resist change. They resist loss. Whether it's letting go of a title, leaving the home where you raised your family, stepping out of a leadership role, or rewriting the story you've been telling yourself for years, every meaningful next chapter requires you to release something before you can fully embrace what's next. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and his own personal journey, Dave shares practical wisdom that will challenge the way you think about growth, trust, vulnerability, and the stories that shape your life. In this episode you'll discover: • Why people resist loss, not change • How identity can quietly limit your growth • The leadership power of surrender • The Change Equation that drives lasting transformation • Why vulnerability creates stronger teams • How your words shape your future • Why your unique ability is your greatest contribution If you're leading a business, navigating a major life transition, or feeling called into a new season, this conversation is a reminder that growth isn't about becoming someone else. It's about having the courage to let go of who you've been so you can become who you're meant to be. Because sometimes the greatest obstacle to your future is your loyalty to your past. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    Surrender to Change: Finding Gain in Loss
  4. Jul 15

    What Are You Actually Building?

    What if success isn't about building the biggest business... but building the right one? In this episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason sits down with Kyle Hunt of Remodelers on the Rise for a conversation that goes far beyond remodeling. Together, they unpack one of the most important questions every entrepreneur eventually faces: What are you actually building? From defining your own version of success to creating content that truly serves your ideal client, Kyle shares nearly two decades of lessons helping business owners simplify growth by getting crystal clear on who they serve, the problems they solve, and the life they're trying to create. Whether you're a contractor, coach, consultant, or business owner, this conversation is a reminder that clarity beats complexity every time. In this episode you'll discover: • Why your business should support your life, not consume it • How to define success on your own terms • Why trying to serve everyone weakens your message • The power of consistently serving one ideal client • How valuable content builds trust long before a sale • Why action teaches lessons that books never can • The difference between contentment and complacency • How your business vision can evolve over time • The simple framework that makes marketing easier: People have a problem. You solve it. If you've ever found yourself chasing someone else's definition of success, overwhelmed by marketing advice, or wondering what you're really working toward, this episode will help bring you back to what matters most. Because at the end of the day, the question isn't how big your business can become. It's what you're actually building... and whether it's building the life you want. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    What Are You Actually Building?
  5. Jul 6

    Share To Be Shared

    Most people think recruiting is about filling positions. Steve Clark sees it differently. To him, it's about solving problems, building relationships, and creating opportunities that change the trajectory of businesses and the people behind them. In this Difference Maker Bootcamp edition of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with Steve Clark, Founder of Bespoken Placement Group, to talk about what happens when you stop treating people like transactions and start building a business around trust, generosity, and genuine connection. Steve shares the unexpected path that led him into entrepreneurship, how a series of acquisitions pushed him to bet on himself, and why his personal mantra for this year, "Share to be Shared," has become the foundation for how he approaches business and life. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how the relationships built through Difference Maker Bootcamp continue long after the sessions end. From referrals and collaborations to simply having a room full of entrepreneurs who are willing to challenge, encourage, and support one another, Steve shares why community has become one of the greatest assets in building his business. This conversation isn't just for recruiters. It's for every entrepreneur, leader, salesperson, and business owner who wants to build something that lasts. In this episode, we discuss: • Share to be shared • Relationships over transactions • Betting on yourself • The power of community • Hiring the right people • Clear communication • Building genuine partnerships • Why generosity compounds Listen in when Steve talks about helping people simply because it's the right thing to do, without expecting anything in return. Time and time again, those moments of generosity have come back around in ways he never could have predicted. That's the thread running through this entire episode. When you stop asking, "What can I get?" and start asking, "How can I help?" business becomes a whole lot more meaningful. If you're building a business, growing your network, leading a team, or looking for a community of entrepreneurs who push each other to become better, I think you'll find a lot of value in this conversation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    Share To Be Shared
  6. Jun 29

    Mind The Gap How One Simple Phrase Became A Global Mission

    Jeff Waterman didn't set out to start another drinkware company. He set out to answer a question that had been following him ever since a trip to Africa. After seeing communities without access to clean drinking water and then standing in Paris looking at a $5,000 dress, Jeff couldn't shake the gap between how people experience life around the world. Then, while riding the London Underground, he kept hearing the same announcement over and over: "Mind the gap." What started as a subway announcement became a calling.  In this Difference Maker edition of Coffee & Grit, Jeff shares the story behind Alltru, a company built on the belief that business can be a force for good and that the products we already buy every day can create real impact around the world. In this episode, we talk about: • The trip to Africa that changed Jeff's perspective forever • The story behind "Mind the Gap" and how it became the foundation for Alltru • Why fear, guilt, and shame keep so many people from living out their purpose • Building a business around significance instead of personal wealth • Why curiosity is one of the greatest leadership skills you can develop • The difference between false humility and celebrating the gifts you've been given • Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates every vision • How faith, purpose, and business can work together to create lasting impact One of my favorite moments in the conversation is when Jeff says that whether Alltru succeeds or fails doesn't determine whether he was successful. Success, to him, is being faithful to what he believes God called him to build. That's a perspective we don't hear nearly enough in business. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the biggest ideas don't begin with a business plan. They begin with a burden. A question you can't stop asking, amessage you can't ignore., and the courage to take the first step before you have all the answers.  If you're an entrepreneur, leader, Difference Maker, or someone who has ever felt called to build something bigger than yourself, I think you're going to love this conversation. Additional Show Notes: Learn more about Alltru and support their mission: https://alltru.com Follow Alltru on social media to learn how everyday purchases are helping bring clean drinking water and hope to communities around the world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    Mind The Gap How One Simple Phrase Became A Global Mission
  7. Jun 22

    In A World Of Fake, People Buy Real

    This episode is a bit of a throwback to the OG Coffee & Grit style. There is no formal introduction. No perfectly crafted opening. No roadmap. No "let's start here and work our way there." Terry Bean and I sat down, hit record, and started talking. The funny thing is, that ended up becoming one of the biggest lessons of the entire conversation. In a world where everyone seems to be chasing the perfect content strategy, the perfect social media post, the perfect networking approach, the perfect sales script, and the perfect personal brand, we spend this conversation exploring a much simpler idea: People connect with what's real. What starts as a conversation between two friends quickly turns into a discussion about communication, self awareness, blind spots, behavior, storytelling, leadership, relationships, and why so many people struggle to connect with others despite being more connected than ever. In this episode, we talk about: • Why authenticity beats production • The stories we're most afraid to tell and why they're often the ones people need to hear • Blind spots, self awareness, and the feedback we don't always want • Why bad communicators often don't realize they're bad communicators • The difference between personality and behavior • How understanding behavior can improve leadership, sales, and relationships • Why people don't buy bricks, they buy the cathedral • The power of meeting people where they are instead of where you wish they were • Why specificity creates connection and "everybody" is never your audience One of the things I've always appreciated about Terry is his ability to take complex ideas and make them practical. His work with Behavioral Elements is centered around helping people better understand themselves and the people around them so they can communicate more effectively, lead more intentionally, and build stronger relationships. However, underneath all of that is a message that aligns perfectly with what Coffee & Grit has always been about.The goal isn't to impress people.The goal is to connect with them. Sometimes the best conversations aren't the ones we plan. They're the ones that happen when we stop performing, stop trying to sound smart, and simply show up as ourselves. This episode is a reminder that authenticity isn't a strategy.It's the strategy. Additional Show Notes Learn more about Terry Bean and Behavioral Elements: BehavioralElements.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    In A World Of Fake, People Buy Real
  8. Jun 15

    Vivid Living: Helping People Move Into Their Best Life

    I love this episode because it is a perfect example of what the Difference Maker Bootcamp series is all about. When Chad Krumrei first joined Bootcamp, I immediately saw someone who cared deeply about people. Over the course of 12 weeks, I watched him encourage others, invest in relationships, and show up consistently to Make A Difference. It became very clear why he and his wife Elena have built such a successful real estate business. What makes this conversation so powerful is that it really is not about real estate. It is about service, trust, and about putting relationships ahead of transactions. In a world where many people think sales is about persuasion, Chad and Elena have built their business by educating, guiding, and protecting people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. In this episode, we talk about: • Elena's journey from middle school math teacher to Realtor • Building a husband and wife business together • Why communication wins more deals than sales tactics • The biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make • The hidden risks of For Sale By Owner transactions • Why your reputation matters long before the closing table • Faith, family, and building a business with purpose • How putting relationships first creates long-term success One of my favorite moments is when Chad talks about trying to talk buyers out of houses. Not because he wants them to walk away. Because he wants them to slow down, think clearly, and make decisions they will feel good about long after closing day. That philosophy says everything you need to know about who Chad and Elena are. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, home buyer, home seller, or simply someone who believes business should be built on trust and relationships, I think you're going to enjoy this conversation. Because at the end of the day, this episode is not about houses. It's about helping people move into their best life. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

    Vivid Living: Helping People Move Into Their Best Life
5
out of 5
7 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.