EGGS! The Podcast

Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith
EGGS! The Podcast

Eggs is podcast that centers around creativity in all forms. From building businesses, personal projects and constructing brands to crafting music empires, finding social fame, fortune and more—we discuss whatever, whenever, with whomever in search of patterns, expertise, shared experience and knowledge. Along with our guests—usually experts in a field or subject—we drill down to uncover the steps taken and the hurdles crossed in pursuit of excellence, aiding our listeners in chasing down their own dreams and taking their "egg" from coup to table. Eggs is a show co-hosted by Mike Smith "DJ Ontic", a Seattle, WA based DJ and Ryan Roghaar owner of R2 Media Group, a full-service marketing communications agency based in Salt Lake City, UT and Barcelona, Spain.

  1. Eggs 389: Bouncing back from business failure with Jose Berlanga

    3 HR. AGO

    Eggs 389: Bouncing back from business failure with Jose Berlanga

    Summary In this episode, Jose Berlanga, CEO and founder of Houstonian Capital, shares his extensive journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the importance of resilience, navigating challenges, and the evolution of his business ventures, particularly in real estate. He emphasizes the need for quick decision-making during tough times and reflects on the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis. Jose also highlights the significance of hard work, adaptability, and being open to opportunities to achieve long-term success. Takeaways Resilience is crucial for entrepreneurs. Endurance helps in overcoming setbacks. Act quickly during business challenges. Success combines hard work and luck. Entrepreneurship requires a certain nature. Long-term thinking is vital in good times. It's acceptable to lose money, but not reputation. Immersion in work leads to success. Home runs in business are rare; persistence is key. Key principles of entrepreneurship evolve over time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jose Berlanga 03:21 Jose's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:08 Resilience in Entrepreneurship 09:25 Navigating Business Setbacks 12:17 The Shift to Real Estate 15:09 Overcoming the 2008 Financial Crisis 29:53 Navigating Financial Loss and Resilience 33:03 Evolving Business Models in Real Estate 36:43 The Nature of Entrepreneurship: Born or Made? 41:05 The Importance of Being Open to Opportunity 53:41 Key Principles of an Entrepreneur's Journey 57:39 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM  The Carton: ⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠ Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!  ⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠ @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠

    1 hr
  2. Eggs 388: From Corporate to Startup with Jeroen Corthout

    NOV 14

    Eggs 388: From Corporate to Startup with Jeroen Corthout

    Summary In this episode, Jeroen Corthout, co-founder of SalesFlare, shares his entrepreneurial journey from a corporate background to founding a CRM tailored for small businesses. He discusses the challenges of building a software product in a saturated market, the importance of usability and automation, and the strategies for funding and hiring in a bootstrap environment. Jeroen emphasizes the significance of understanding customer needs and creating a product that genuinely helps sales teams succeed. Takeaways Jeroen's journey began with a passion for building websites. He transitioned from engineering to marketing to gain business insights. SalesFlare was born out of frustration with existing CRMs. The development process involved significant customer feedback. Funding strategies included accelerators and government subsidies. Hiring should be approached with caution to maintain company culture. Usability and automation are key differentiators for SalesFlare. Building a network in incubators can accelerate growth. Choosing the right tech stack is crucial for development efficiency. SalesFlare focuses on small and medium-sized businesses for growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeroen Corthout and SalesFlare 10:48 The Journey from Engineering to Entrepreneurship 22:09 Building SalesFlare: The Development Process 24:57 Bootstrapping a Software Business 26:24 Navigating Startup Funding and Financial Strategies 30:17 The Value of Accelerators and Incubators 34:12 Hiring Strategies for Startups 40:41 Choosing the Right Tech Stack 45:25 Selling the Product: Standing Out in a Crowded Market Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM  The Carton:⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠ Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!  ⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠djontic.com⁠ @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠http://rogha.ar⁠

    52 min
  3. Eggs 387: The Art of Strategic Decision Making with Anthony Taylor

    NOV 7

    Eggs 387: The Art of Strategic Decision Making with Anthony Taylor

    Summary In this conversation, Anthony Taylor of SME Strategy discusses the importance of business strategy as a series of choices that organizations must make. He emphasizes the need for clear destinations, alignment among team members, and the significance of setting realistic goals. Taylor shares insights on overcoming fear of failure, the process of strategic planning, and the steps to develop an effective strategy. He highlights the importance of focusing on outcomes and making decisions quickly to adapt to changing circumstances. Takeaways Strategy is fundamentally about making choices. Clear destinations are essential for effective strategy. Alignment among team members is crucial for success. Setting realistic goals helps avoid the fear of failure. The benefit of the future must outweigh the pain of change. Organizations should celebrate their current state before moving forward. The strategic planning process is applicable to all organizations. Focus on outcomes rather than just activities. Make decisions quickly and iterate as needed. Definiteness of purpose helps avoid distractions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anthony Taylor and SME Strategy 01:43 Understanding Business Strategy as Choices 05:56 The Importance of Clear Destinations 09:24 Aligning Goals and Actions for Success 11:53 Insights from the Book 'Alignment' 14:58 The Balance of Goal Setting and Realism 18:24 Definiteness of Purpose in Entrepreneurship 21:19 Making Decisions and Opportunity Cost 27:25 Navigating Ideation and Execution 30:22 Understanding Product-Market Fit 33:07 Strategic Planning Essentials 35:23 The Strategic Planning Process 39:23 Setting Strategic Priorities 43:51 Adapting Plans in a Changing World 51:08 Overcoming Fear of Failure ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    56 min
  4. Eggs 386: Transforming Leadership and The Power of 'We' with Kyle McDowell

    OCT 31

    Eggs 386: Transforming Leadership and The Power of 'We' with Kyle McDowell

    Summary In this conversation, Kyle McDowell shares his transformative journey from a successful corporate leader to an advocate for a more humane and collaborative approach to leadership. He discusses the principles he developed, centered around the concept of 'we', which emphasize teamwork, accountability, and interpersonal relationships. Kyle explains how these principles can be applied across various industries and the importance of leading by example. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating toxic work environments and the significance of measuring outcomes rather than mere activity. In this conversation, Kyle McDowell discusses the pitfalls of valuing busyness over productivity, the importance of accountability within teams, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. He emphasizes the need for clear expectations and principles in leadership, and how authenticity is crucial for successful organizational transformation. The dialogue also touches on personal growth and the realities of navigating corporate culture. Takeaways Kyle McDowell's journey reflects a shift from traditional leadership to a more collaborative approach. The 'we' principles emphasize teamwork and accountability in the workplace. Apathy in corporate environments can lead to toxic cultures. Building strong interpersonal relationships is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders must lead by example to foster a positive work environment. The principles are agnostic and applicable across various industries. Personal accountability is essential for both leaders and team members. Creating an infrastructure of agreed-upon principles helps in accountability. Navigating toxic relationships requires discernment and self-awareness. Measuring outcomes rather than activity is key to true productivity. Busyness does not equate to productivity. Focus on delivering outcomes rather than just being busy. Accountability is key in high-performing teams. Imposter syndrome is common, even among successful leaders. Establishing clear expectations can enhance team performance. Authenticity is essential for meaningful organizational change. Leadership should prioritize people over results. Vulnerability can be a strength in leadership. Transformations require commitment, not just initiatives. You can achieve your goals with effort and determination. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kyle McDowell 00:27 Kyle's Corporate Journey and Transformation 04:00 The Shift from Command and Control to We Leadership 10:11 Scaling the We Principles in Large Organizations 13:11 The Agnostic Nature of We Principles 15:51 Personal Accountability and Interpersonal Relationships 20:22 Leading by Example and Building Infrastructure 24:48 Navigating Toxic Relationships and Communities 26:58 Measuring Outcomes Over Activity 28:06 The Illusion of Busyness 33:30 Expectations and Accountability in Teams 37:11 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 44:41 Pivots in Leadership and Personal Growth 51:20 Authenticity in Organizational Transformation ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    55 min
  5. Eggs 385: Mastering Tax Structures for Small Businesses with John Briggs

    OCT 24

    Eggs 385: Mastering Tax Structures for Small Businesses with John Briggs

    Summary In this episode, John Briggs, founder of Insight Tax and Accounting, discusses the importance of choosing the right tax structure for small businesses, particularly gym owners. He emphasizes the significance of cash flow management and how it can prevent burnout among entrepreneurs. John shares insights on tax deductions, the common myths surrounding taxes, and the necessity of paying oneself as a business owner. The conversation highlights practical strategies for achieving financial resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Takeaways Choosing the right tax structure can save thousands. Cash flow management is crucial for business sustainability. Burnout is a common issue for entrepreneurs. Profit First methodology helps prioritize owner compensation. Understanding tax deductions can significantly impact finances. Separate bank accounts can help manage cash flow effectively. Rich people do pay taxes, but often through various means. Home office deductions can increase audit risks. Professional help can clarify complex tax situations. Regular profit distributions can enhance business owner satisfaction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Briggs and His Mission 09:09 Choosing the Right Tax Structure 19:05 Understanding Tax Myths and Realities 29:14 Understanding the Cost of Hiring an Accountant 32:32 Navigating Tax Deductions and Home Office Rules 35:54 Depreciation and Writing Off Business Assets 40:04 Mastering Cash Flow Management 47:15 Addressing Burnout in Entrepreneurship 52:07 Paying Yourself as a Business Owner ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    58 min
  6. Eggs 384: Cultivating a High-Touch Customer Experience with Alex Levin

    OCT 17

    Eggs 384: Cultivating a High-Touch Customer Experience with Alex Levin

    Summary In this conversation, Alex Levin, co-founder and CEO of Regal, discusses his journey from working in technology companies to founding Regal, a company focused on transforming contact centers into high-touch customer engagement platforms. He shares insights on the evolution of contact centers, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges faced by small businesses. Alex also delves into the entrepreneurial journey, including the fundraising process, execution versus ideation, and lessons learned from building Regal. He emphasizes the significance of having the right motivations, understanding customer segments, and the need for effective marketing strategies. Takeaways Every company in the future would be a technology company. The winning model wasn't self-serve only, it was self-serve plus that personal touch. You shouldn't be relegated to sort of the low touch deflection model. You have to really believe that this thing has to exist. You need to be very honest with yourself about where you're strong, where you're weak. Fundraising is specifically raising money for venture capitalists. You want to find the people who already believe in your thesis. You have to ask yourself, what is the riskiest thing that I'm trying to prove? You should really think about if you're gonna be the B, what kind of sale do you want? You should stop taking the wrong customer. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Levin and Regal 03:23 The Evolution of Contact Centers 06:11 Understanding Customer Engagement 09:08 Building Regal: The Journey Begins 11:42 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 17:54 The Importance of Belief in Your Business 21:48 Networking and Its Double-Edged Sword 24:52 The Early Days of Regal and MVP Development 25:24 The Journey to Validation 28:54 Understanding Fundraising Dynamics 34:24 Navigating the Post-Fundraising Landscape 37:28 Execution: From Ideation to Reality 45:53 Lessons Learned and Future Directions ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    52 min
  7. Eggs 383: Building a Strong Brand Foundation and Navigating Audience Perception with Deevo Tindall

    OCT 11

    Eggs 383: Building a Strong Brand Foundation and Navigating Audience Perception with Deevo Tindall

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Ryan Roghaar and Mike interview Devo Tindall, a branding expert and Chief Experience Officer at Brand Storyteller. They explore the importance of establishing a strong brand foundation, the shift from traditional marketing to storytelling, and the role of AI in branding. Devo emphasizes the need for authenticity in business and the significance of understanding one's core values. The discussion also touches on the different paths entrepreneurs take, the balance between adaptability and authenticity, and the unique value of human experience in branding. Devo shares insights on how to effectively communicate one's brand story and the importance of connecting emotionally with customers. Takeaways Branding is more than just visual assets; it's the entire customer experience. AI can support branding efforts but cannot replace the human touch. Understanding your core values is essential for effective branding. Authenticity in branding helps build trust with customers. Chasing trends can dilute your brand's message. Every entrepreneur has a unique story that can resonate with their audience. Feedback from clients can help refine your brand's perception. Your brand should reflect who you are and what you value. Flexibility in branding can help you adapt to different markets. Building a brand is a process that requires introspection and clarity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Devo Tindall and His Journey 02:17 The Importance of Brand Foundation 06:17 AI's Role in Branding and Marketing 10:12 Understanding Brand Perception and Value 13:57 Defining Core Values and Brand Strategy 18:18 Different Types of Entrepreneurs and Their Stories 22:02 Authenticity in Branding and Business 30:08 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 33:26 Understanding Audience Perception and Values 39:18 Authenticity vs. Adaptability in Personal Branding 46:58 The Balance of Trends and Authentic Storytelling 53:06 The Unique Human Experience vs. AI 55:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    57 min
  8. Eggs 382: Solving Subscription Business Challenges with Nick Fogle

    OCT 3

    Eggs 382: Solving Subscription Business Challenges with Nick Fogle

    Summary In this conversation, Nick Fogle shares his journey from law school to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Churnkey. He discusses the challenges he faced while transitioning from a legal career to coding, the lessons learned from his first startup, Wave, and how he identified market needs that led to the creation of Churnkey. Nick also delves into the importance of funding, overcoming adversity, and maintaining a growth mindset as an entrepreneur. Takeaways Transitioning from law to coding can open new opportunities. Building a startup requires resilience and adaptability. Identifying market needs is crucial for success. Funding can be a tool for growth, not just a necessity. Overcoming personal and professional challenges builds character. Pressure can motivate and drive success in entrepreneurship. Incremental progress over time leads to significant achievements. Understanding customer feedback is key to reducing churn. Building a strong team is essential for scaling a business. Embracing change and being open-minded is vital for entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 From Law to Code: A Journey of Discovery 11:06 Building Wave: The Podcasting App Experience 25:37 Transitioning to Churnkey: Lessons Learned 37:58 Navigating Funding: From Bootstrap to Venture 48:50 Overcoming Adversity: The Entrepreneurial Mindset ---- Credits: Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM   The Carton: https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs: The Show eggscast.com @eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info djontic.com @djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaar http://rogha.ar

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Eggs is podcast that centers around creativity in all forms. From building businesses, personal projects and constructing brands to crafting music empires, finding social fame, fortune and more—we discuss whatever, whenever, with whomever in search of patterns, expertise, shared experience and knowledge. Along with our guests—usually experts in a field or subject—we drill down to uncover the steps taken and the hurdles crossed in pursuit of excellence, aiding our listeners in chasing down their own dreams and taking their "egg" from coup to table. Eggs is a show co-hosted by Mike Smith "DJ Ontic", a Seattle, WA based DJ and Ryan Roghaar owner of R2 Media Group, a full-service marketing communications agency based in Salt Lake City, UT and Barcelona, Spain.

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