Surviving the Side Hustle

Rob Tracz
  • 4.8 (22)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "Surviving the Side Hustle," the ultimate podcast for balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Hosted by Coach Rob Tracz, an expert in helping driven professionals achieve 'personal development for professional success,' this show is more than just storytelling—it's a masterclass in thriving amidst the entrepreneurial grind. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders who are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship, sharing their unique stories, the creative solutions they're offering, and the everyday challenges they’re overcoming. Whether you’re a side hustler looking for your big break or an established entrepreneur seeking fresh perspectives, "Surviving the Side Hustle" provides valuable insights that resonate with the movers, the shakers, and everyone in between. Feeling burnt out and sidelining your own health? This podcast empowers you to overcome stagnation, build resilience, and optimize your life and business. We dive deep into your goals, identify obstacles, and share strategies to boost your energy, improve your strength, and keep the entrepreneurial grind enjoyable. Join us for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical advice to help you look good, feel good, and do great things at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s not just survive the side hustle—let's master it.

  1. 2d ago

    E191 - How a Teacher Built a Tech Recycling Business Without Quitting His Day Job w/ Michael LeBeau

    In this episode, Rob Tracz chats with Michael LeBeau, a high school computer science teacher and founder of Tech Cycle Solutions, who is making waves in the electronics recycling industry. They explore balancing a full-time teaching job with launching a side hustle focused on sustainability and data security, offering insights into starting, growing, and maintaining a purpose-driven business. Main Topics: The importance of secure electronics disposal and common misconceptions (0:00 - 2:57)How Michael transitioned from a tech background into electronics recycling (3:24 - 8:37)The role of support systems and managing imposter syndrome as a side hustle founder (8:37 - 9:43)Data destruction processes and regulatory compliance (11:40 - 13:31)The impact of AI and evolving tech on e-waste (15:52 - 16:37)Tips for juggling multiple roles, avoiding burnout, and maintaining motivation (17:01 - 21:27)Growth strategies, hiring, and scaling a sustainability-focused business (22:06 - 25:30)Connecting residential and corporate recycling efforts for greater impact (25:30 - 25:52)Practical advice for others balancing side projects with full-time jobs (29:23 - 29:56) Timestamps: 00:00 - The risks and myths of improperly disposing electronics 02:57 - Introduction to Michael LeBeau and his side hustle 03:24 - How teaching supports Michael’s entrepreneurial efforts 04:06 - The journey from tech background to electronics recycling 06:47 - Why secure data destruction is critical and how it's done 08:37 - The impact of technology trends on e-waste 09:43 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and managing work-life balance 11:40 - Compliance standards like NIST and HIPAA in data destruction 13:31 - Cost-effective security solutions for businesses 15:52 - Effect of AI on electronics turnover and disposal 17:01 - Juggling roles and maintaining motivation 18:25 - Balancing work and personal life with strategic breaks 22:06 - Scaling through hiring and expanding operations 25:30 - Moving from residential to large-scale corporate recycling 29:23 - The key to surviving a side hustle: passion and conviction Resources & Links: Tech Cycle Solutions Connect with Michael LeBeau: LinkedIn Whether you’re considering a side project or looking to make an impact in sustainability, Michael’s story illustrates the importance of passion, support, and strategic growth. Don’t miss these actionable insights on balancing your ambitions while contributing to environmental responsibility.

    31 min

  2. 6d ago

    E190 - Lessons from Glenn Bostock: Reimagining Business Success

    In this episode of Surviving the Side Hustle, Rob Tracz dives into a transformative perspective on entrepreneurship with Glenn Bostock, founder and CEO of Snapcab. Glenn challenges traditional business models, emphasizing kindness, authenticity, usefulness, and seeing the business as a living organism. Discover how to shift from hustle culture to a more sustainable, value-focused approach. Main Topics Covered:The limitations of conventional hustle and top-down leadership in business growthBuilding a business on values: be kind, be authentic, be usefulStarting in the neighborhood: the importance of unglamorous work as a foundationTransitioning from technician to leader for scalable successThe power of surfacing and solving problems: systems that reward transparencyTreating your business like a body: creating a self-healing, ecosystem-like organizationPractical steps for entrepreneurs to build resilient, purpose-driven companiesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and core question: Is the traditional business operating system holding you back? 02:19 - Glenn's unusual entrepreneurial journey from cabinet maker to CEO of a $30M company 04:55 - The three core values: be kind, be authentic, be useful, and their impact on business culture 06:36 - The importance of starting in the neighborhood: doing unsexy work to grow into your dream business 07:55 - Glenn’s example: building from refinishing furniture to elevator interiors, growth through humility 08:46 - The value of unglamorous work and embracing the early, imperfect steps 10:00 - The transformation from technician to leader as a key to scalability 11:41 - Hiring and building a team around your weaknesses, not just your strengths 14:02 - The concept of “gold in problems”: building systems to surface issues openly 14:53 - Reward employees for reporting mistakes, and view problems as growth opportunities 16:36 - Building a business like a body, with a nervous system for rapid feedback and self-healing 17:41 - The importance of sensing disconnection and misalignment early 18:53 - Creating a self-healing, ecosystem-like business model that outlives the founder 20:05 - Practical advice: obsess over usefulness, value, and building systems that support growth 20:52 - Glenn's upcoming book, A Human Business, and how to learn more 21:17 - Encouragement for entrepreneurs to focus on what lights them up and add value persistently Resources & Links:A Human Business by Glenn Bostock (Book release June 16th)Glenn Bostock Consulting WebsiteFinal Thought: Rob emphasizes that building a sustainable business is about long-term usefulness and aligning with what lights you up—focusing on value over quick hacks leads to real growth and resilience.

    23 min

  3. May 26

    E189 - Why Building a Company as a Community Turns Problems Into Opportunities with Glenn Bostock

    In this episode, Glenn Bostock, founder and CEO of SnapCap, shares his journey from a cabinet maker to leading a multi-million dollar company. He discusses the importance of cultivating a human-centric culture, embracing failure, and building trust within organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Key Topics:Glenn’s transition from woodworking to elevator interiors and eventually to building SnapCapThe significance of company values: be kind, be authentic, and be usefulHow fostering a caring environment reduces fear and boosts innovationThe role of mentorship and embracing failure as a growth toolCreating a culture of transparency through mistake reward systemsComparing business growth to muscle development and the importance of problem-solvingApplying Japanese manufacturing principles, like the Toyota system, for operational excellenceBuilding trust and community within a business to improve performance and scalabilityThe motivations behind Glenn’s upcoming book, “A Human Business”Practical tips for entrepreneurs starting out, focusing on passions and market needsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to leadership driven by passion and caring environments 02:44 - Glenn’s career journey from cabinet making to elevator interiors 03:40 - Culture creation based on kindness, authenticity, and usefulness 04:13 - Challenges and lessons learned in business growth 07:04 - Starting a business with limited resources and learning mechanics of finance 09:22 - Overcoming technician mindset and building confidence in entrepreneurship 11:12 - The transformation from technician to community builder 12:26 - The purpose of a business: creating value and usefulness 13:16 - Lowering fear and fostering a safe learning environment 14:04 - Hiring for culture fit and passion over skills 16:14 - Creating collaboration through community-minded initiatives 17:42 - Using the human body as a metaphor for organizational health 18:52 - Hiring and leadership lessons during rapid growth 19:09 - Learning to identify the right roles for growth 22:13 - Building trust through honesty and value delivery 23:18 - Reward systems for mistakes and continuous improvement 26:29 - Creating a company culture rooted in love and shared purpose 30:02 - Applying Japanese manufacturing principles for operational excellence 33:10 - Glenn’s motivation to share his “Human Business” philosophy with the world 37:16 - Tips for entrepreneurs: start with what excites you and add value Resources & Links:Glenn Bostock’s Website – Get a free chapter of "A Human Business"A Human Business Book (coming June 16th, published by Forbes Books)Connect with Glenn Bostock:LinkedIn

    40 min

  4. May 22

    E188 - Lessons from Meggi Rombach: Your Body’s Signal of Courage

    This episode explores how external validation, high achievement, and evolving success definitions shape our mental and emotional well-being. Meggie Rombach from Switzerland shares her journey through burnout, high performance, and her revolutionary approach to living authentically—guided by mindfulness, courage, and rewriting personal rules. In this episode:Secrets behind burnout rooted in external validation, not workloadHow high performers are often driven by a need to be seen as enoughMeggie’s "mindful rebellion" and coaching framework the three C’s (Clarity, Courage, Confidence)The power of redefining success as life changes and priorities shiftThe surprising link between courage and excitement—how physical sensations can guide growthThe importance of sitting in the messy middle during transitions, not rushing through valleysPractical session on mindfulness as a tool for leadership and clarityHow to recognize and rewrite the rules that actually govern your lifeTimestamps: 00:00 - What rules are you actually playing by? 00:29 - The truth about burnout and inherited goals 00:57 - Meggie Rombach’s background and burnout story 01:27 - The "mindful rebellion" and her three C’s & F’s 02:23 - Why burnout often stems from external validation 02:52 - The danger of outsourcing your worth 03:18 - How validation fuels high achievement and people pleasing 04:12 - Recognizing patterns of over-delivering and burnout 04:41 - External validation vs. internal validation—breaking the cycle 05:09 - The real work: building self-worth from within 06:04 - The rise to the challenge framework and needing less achievement 07:07 - The trap of seeking external approval through success 08:05 - Growing on valleys, not peaks—personal stories 09:01 - The significance of valleys and growth through hardship 10:01 - Moving through transitions and the importance of sitting in the messy middle 10:29 - William Bridges’ "Transitions" and the neutral zone 11:00 - The power of being uncomfortable in transition for real change 12:00 - The reframe: Courage and excitement share the same physical signals 12:30 - Building courage through lifestyle prototyping 13:00 - The signals of Thresholds—when growth opportunities appear 13:59 - Building courage as a skill, not a trait 14:29 - The nervous system's role in performance and decision-making 15:00 - Teaching your body to interpret fear & excitement differently 16:28 - How changing priorities reshape your version of success 17:28 - The importance of consciously choosing your goals 17:57 - Recalibrating your rules for authentic success 18:27 - The danger of sprinting in the wrong direction and the need to slow down 19:14 - Recognizing and rewriting external scripts and societal expectations 19:43 - Playing by your own rules for lasting fulfillment 20:12 - Resources for deepening mindfulness and coaching opportunities Resources & Links:Play It By Your Rules PodcastMaggie Rombach’s WebsiteConnect with Maggie:LinkedIn

    23 min

  5. May 19

    E187 - The Art of Gentle Courage: Small Risks to Build Unshakable Confidence with Meggi Rombach

    Breaking the Rules for Sustainable Success with Meggi RombachDiscover how high achievers can redefine success, break free from burnout, and embrace a mindful rebellion to thrive personally and professionally. Join us as Meggi Rombach shares insights on leadership, resilience, and transforming old narratives into innovative pathways. In this episode:Meggi's journey from corporate burnout to coaching and her concept of mindful rebellionThe influence of high-level leadership experience on her coaching philosophyHow high achievers often struggle with people-pleasing and external validationThe importance of self-recognition and internal validationStrategies to navigate valleys and rewrite stories during transitionsPractical approaches to cultivating courage, confidence, and clarityThe role of mindfulness and experiential tools like horse coaching and climbingDifferences between hustle culture and sustainable high performanceThe significance of life stages and changing goals over timeThe "Basecamp Bootcamp" coaching program and transformation toolsThe power of small actions and lifestyle prototyping for lasting changeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Meggi Rombach and her journey from burnout to coaching 02:20 - Meggi’s background working with high-level leaders at the Red Cross 05:09 - Recognizing the humanity behind high performers and leaders 06:17 - The evolution of Meggi’s podcast from Leadership Insights to Played By Your Rules 07:29 - The first burnout experience and its lessons 09:47 - Overcoming people-pleasing tendencies among high performers 11:21 - The role of social agility and adaptability in leadership 13:57 - Building resilience and recognizing the need to prioritize oneself 15:08 - The link between chronic stress and burnout 16:04 - Comparing work stress to sports training and recovery 18:50 - Life stages, changing dreams, and redefining success 20:16 - The Everest Base Camp analogy for work-life balance 21:20 - Personal story of loss and shifting priorities 25:24 - Using William Bridges’ model of transition and the neutral zone 28:26 - Courage versus recklessness in high-stakes environments 29:52 - The significance of small, courageous actions and mindset shifts 30:48 - The concept of flow, mindfulness, and intentional performance 33:41 - Experiential coaching tools: horses, climbing, and nature integration 37:08 - Practical steps for lifestyle experimentation and action 38:09 - Preventing recklessness through scenario planning and calculated risks 40:01 - The true meaning of freedom in a mindful life 41:32 - How to connect with Meggi and explore her coaching programs 43:37 - Final advice: Take mindfulness seriously for high performance and well-being Resources & Links:Play It By Your Rules PodcastMeggiRombach.comFREE AssessmentConnect with Meggi Rombach:LinkedIn

    46 min

  6. May 15

    E186 - Lessons from Andre Carvalho: The Hidden Danger of Staying Comfortable

    Embracing Courageous Growth: When to Dismantle to Build BetterIn this episode, Rob Tracz explores the nuanced decision-making process behind knowing when to hold on or let go of what's working. Featuring insights from Andre Carvalho, a real estate investor and acquisitions expert, this conversation dives into how entrepreneurs can differentiate between reckless moves and courageous, strategic pivots. You’ll learn:Why successful entrepreneurs are willing to dismantle what's working for the sake of growthThe vital difference between courage and recklessness in business decisionsHow to prepare and plan for big moves without paralysisWhy a thriving partnership can become a barrier to personal developmentThe importance of treating business as a game rather than a relentless grindThe role of sales as a skill that compounds your overall leverage and growthHow to recognize the signs that "what's working" is actually holding you backTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: When to walk away from what works 00:30 - The entrepreneurs who reach higher levels are willing to dismantle what's working 01:00 - Andre Carvalho’s bold pivot from a successful real estate partnership 01:27 - The disciplined planning behind Andre’s big leap 01:56 - Making strategic bets vs. reckless moves 02:26 - The middle ground: pacing your transition thoughtfully 03:21 - Courage is a plan, recklessness is a feeling 03:51 - Examples of stress testing your business decisions 04:20 - The significance of preparation and deliberate flag-setting 05:19 - Overthinking can be a trap; balance planning with action 05:48 - The importance of knowing your direction before making big moves 06:18 - How what’s working can unintentionally hold you back 06:48 - The danger of comfort zones in partnerships and jobs 07:16 - Andre’s reason for leaving a profitable partnership 07:45 - Recognizing when stability is actually stagnation 08:14 - The destructive illusion of safety in systems that no longer serve growth 09:02 - The concept of sustainable growth and avoiding maintenance mode 09:31 - Rethinking sales: it’s just conversation and understanding 10:00 - The misconception of sales as pushy or manipulative 10:30 - Building relationships through real communication 11:00 - Andre’s strategy to master sales internally for leverage 11:30 - The importance of developing sales skills across all areas of life 12:24 - Moving from burnout to mastery by choosing the harder path 12:32 - How sales mastery is portable and highly valuable 13:00 - Treating business as a game rather than a war 13:29 - Shifting mindset: fun, curiosity, and playfulness boost performance 13:57 - The impact of mindset on decision-making and risk-taking 14:27 - Creating space for opportunities by releasing stress and fear 14:55 - Business is about playing; big risks become opportunities when approached with a game mindset 15:26 - The role of curiosity and relaxed energy in luck and success 15:55 - Your current self isn’t the same as the next level — what needs to change? 16:46 - Dismantling what's working to elevate your growth 17:15 - Follow Andre Carvalho’s journey and upcoming book, Deal Flow 17:44 - The advice: "Do it anyways" — start before you're ready 18:13 - Protecting yourself from imaginary failure guarantees real stagnation 18:41 - Take action with a plan, but don’t wait for fear to disappear 19:09 - Closing: Stay sharp, aligned, and keep Surviving the Side Hustle

    20 min

  7. May 12

    E185 - The Secret to Scaling Without Reckless Risks with Andre Carvalho

    This episode features Andre Carvalho sharing his journey of stepping out of comfort zones, rebuilding after a successful partnership, and mastering sales and mindset in the real estate industry. It's a candid look at personal growth, strategic pivots, and living intentionally. KEY TOPICS The importance of obeying internal guidance and stepping out of comfort zonesAndre's start in business and the significance of long-term vision planningRisks involved in making bold career transitions, including cashing out savings and leaving stable jobsThe difference between courageous action and reckless behaviorThe power of journaling ideas and maintaining a flexible yet organized systemReasons for leaving a successful partnership to pursue personal growth and spiritual callingBuilding a new business solo versus with partners: challenges and opportunitiesDeveloping sales skills firsthand by engaging in the field to master storytelling and influenceThe misconception that sales is 'slimy'—it's primarily effective communicationThe significance of partnerships and choosing the right collaborators based on values and skill setsSetting ambitious financial goals: a million active income and a billion under management, and the importance of thinking bigThe mindset shift from viewing money as the goal to seeing it as a game or score TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Obedience and stepping out of comfort zones to unlock growth 02:47 - Introducing Andre Carvalho, real estate investor and acquisitions specialist 03:16 - Andre's vision to scale a seven-figure active income business 04:00 - The reset: leaving partnerships to pursue a higher purpose 04:14 - How Andre started in business and the importance of long-term vision 07:14 - The timeline and research involved before quitting the job 08:36 - Balancing courage with responsibility: planning versus recklessness 09:22 - The value of talking to professionals and testing ideas before full commitment 12:27 - Maintaining organization and reviewing journal entries regularly 13:29 - Techniques for capturing and developing ideas 15:15 - Simplifying journaling by focusing on ideas and goals 16:50 - The spiritual calling to elevate leadership through independence 17:19 - Reflecting on Tyler and Andre’s partnership growth 20:06 - Lessons from delaying decisions and the cost of inaction 21:00 - Growing alone versus with a partner: skills and leadership 22:28 - Why Andre emphasizes mastering sales on the frontlines 24:17 - Common misconceptions about sales and communication 25:16 - The simplicity of sales when aligned with belief in your product 27:43 - Why Andre aims for a billion in assets and a million active income 29:20 - Letting go of guilt and embracing adaptable goalsetting 30:43 - The value of transparency and honesty in commitments 33:14 - Strategic use of real estate for tax advantages and appreciation 35:29 - Viewing business and real estate as a game with scoring 36:20 - Keys for those in transition: commitment, exercise, and mindset 39:20 - Final advice: Just do it and take action without overthinking Connect with Andre Carvalho LinkedIn | Website

    41 min

  8. May 8

    E184 - Lessons from Adam Willman: The Surprising Truth About Success

    n this episode, Rob Tracz explores the crucial questions entrepreneurs must ask themselves to align their pursuits with genuine fulfillment. Featuring insights from criminal defense attorney Adam Willman, the discussion covers how success can evolve, the importance of listening to your body's signals, and strategies for sustainable growth. Key Topics:The danger of chasing external definitions of success without reevaluationHow growth phases require redefining what success means for youRecognizing panic attacks and stress signals as valuable data, not weaknessThe importance of isolating what truly works in your businessThe myth of work-life balance versus the power of presenceUpdating your “Pirate’s Flag”: recalibrating direction seasonallyBuilding a business around core strengths and profitable client relationshipsThe significance of saying no to protect your capacity and focusPractical ways to stay present and cultivate mindfulness amid hustleReflecting on what you want your legacy to beTimestamps: 00:00 - Rethink success: Is what you're chasing truly what you want now? 00:31 - The entrepreneur's success myth and evolving priorities 01:01 - Adam Wilman's entrepreneurial backdrop and burnout experience 01:57 - Growing pains: Success that no longer fulfills 02:26 - Success frameworks: From zero to stable vs. from stable to fulfilled 03:14 - The importance of updating your definition of success 03:44 - How early success can expire and why recalibration is necessary 04:14 - From activity to fulfillment: Building purpose-driven success 04:39 - The danger of never updating your pursuit 05:10 - The “Pirate’s Flag” framework for directional recalibration 05:39 - Recognizing burnout signals as data 06:07 - Overcoming panic attacks through self-awareness and reflection 06:37 - Listening to your body's signals for sustainability 07:06 - Turning stress signals into actionable insights 07:36 - The value of "Isolate What Works" mentality 08:00 - Practical steps to streamline and focus your practice 08:57 - Protect your capacity: saying no to energy drainers 09:27 - Building a business around strengths and profitable clients 10:28 - Tolerance as a trap: the real cost of draining clients 10:55 - Capacity over revenue: why protecting your energy is paramount 11:25 - The true pace for sustainable growth 11:54 - The myth of work-life balance and embracing presence 12:22 - Cultivating presence: being fully present with loved ones 12:52 - The role of mindfulness and reflection in entrepreneurial life 13:22 - Your legacy: what truly matters in the long run 13:51 - Moving fast with purpose: speed without direction is aimless 14:07 - Reassessing your definition of success each season 14:36 - The importance of updating and recalibrating your goals 15:04 - Adam Wilman's path as a story of genuine connection and purpose 15:33 - Final reflections and advice: prioritize love and legacy 16:03 - Asking yourself: What do I want them to remember about this season? 16:32 - Wrapping up: stay aligned, stay present, survive the side hustle Resources & Links:Adam J. Willman Law OfficeNote: Prioritize ongoing recalibration over relentless hustle; true success is about sustainable fulfillment and presence.

    18 min
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4.8
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About

Welcome to "Surviving the Side Hustle," the ultimate podcast for balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Hosted by Coach Rob Tracz, an expert in helping driven professionals achieve 'personal development for professional success,' this show is more than just storytelling—it's a masterclass in thriving amidst the entrepreneurial grind. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders who are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship, sharing their unique stories, the creative solutions they're offering, and the everyday challenges they’re overcoming. Whether you’re a side hustler looking for your big break or an established entrepreneur seeking fresh perspectives, "Surviving the Side Hustle" provides valuable insights that resonate with the movers, the shakers, and everyone in between. Feeling burnt out and sidelining your own health? This podcast empowers you to overcome stagnation, build resilience, and optimize your life and business. We dive deep into your goals, identify obstacles, and share strategies to boost your energy, improve your strength, and keep the entrepreneurial grind enjoyable. Join us for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical advice to help you look good, feel good, and do great things at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s not just survive the side hustle—let's master it.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Tracz
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rob Tracz
  • Show Website
    Surviving the Side Hustle