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

    E195 - How Leadership Transformed a Side Hustle into a Full Business with Eric Dingler

    In this episode, Eric Dingler shares his inspiring journey from running a summer camp and local church ministry to building a successful online marketing agency while traveling the world. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, systems, and intentional hiring for scaling a business without burnout. Main Topics - Key Insights:How Eric turned his web design skills into a fundraiser for international adoption and built a nonprofit.The evolution from side hustle to full-time business, highlighting key moments and mindset shifts.Strategies for creating scalable systems in your business: leadership, lead generation, lead conversion, project management, and money management.How to build effective remote teams using SOPs, gap hiring, and systems thinking.Practical advice on delegation mindset, including transferring knowledge into systems and SOPs to free up your time.The importance of leadership development for entrepreneurs and their teams.Future goals: scaling his coaching business and building a team to support remote entrepreneurs.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Eric Dingler's journey from summer camp to global entrepreneur 01:26 - Origin story of Eric’s web design agency as a fundraiser for adoption 02:34 - Building a nonprofit organization to fund international adoption 03:52 - Transition to traveling with family and how systems enable remote lifestyle 05:20 - Developing core business systems for scalability 09:07 - Leadership as the foundation of business systems 11:53 - The five core systems: leadership, lead gen, conversion, cash flow, project management 12:19 - Managing multiple systems simultaneously 13:41 - How Eric defines true leadership 15:29 - From side hustle to a full-time coaching business 16:25 - Transition from working in the business to working on the business 17:38 - Managing family life while traveling and working remotely 19:47 - The importance of hiring and systems in scaling 22:09 - Creating shared success through team building and hiring 23:37 - How to approach hiring for the right fit and culture 24:39 - Differentiating gap hires and team hires 26:22 - The importance of taking up to 80% of new hires' time to maximize productivity 28:48 - The cost of not hiring and focusing on revenue-generating activities 30:57 - Overcoming mindset hurdles around delegation 31:24 - Systems approach to delegation and SOPs 33:20 - Documenting systems with SOPs and creating a culture of continuous improvement 35:31 - Eric’s future goals: coaching full-time and building a larger impact 36:36 - Launching programs and scaling coaching services 38:28 - How to connect with Eric and take the first step in hiring 40:46 - Practical tools: first hire readiness checklist and diagnostics calls 42:31 - Final advice for entrepreneurs feeling stuck: lead yourself first Resources & Links:Eric Dingler’s WebsiteFirst Hire Readiness GuideFirst Hire Readiness Checklist

    43 min

  2. 5d ago

    E194 - Lessons from Cindy Van Eeckhout: Are You Rich on Paper but Poor Inside?

    In this episode, Rob Tracz chats with Cindy Van Eckhout about redefining success beyond financial metrics. They explore how high achievers can feel empty despite outward success, and how to build a life aligned with inner joy and purpose. Key TopicsThe distinction between being rich (money) and wealthy (fulfillment) and why it mattersRecognizing the signals of misalignment before burnout using body awareness and mindfulnessThe importance of listening to your inner "feeling" and how nature can reconnect you with your truthAdopting a growth mindset: "You either win or you learn," especially during challengesJoy as a way of being, not a goal to achieve at the end of the journeyThe four joy blockers: misalignment, overload, emotional suppression, and physical depletionBuilding an aligned, sustainable path where happiness is part of the process—not the rewardPractical advice: Start small, ask what brings you joy, and take consistent steps toward itTimestamps00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking success beyond appearances 02:19 - Would you have the courage to shut down a thriving business? 03:00 - The trap of being rich on paper but poor inside 03:56 - Cindy's bold move to France and building authentic success 04:53 - Difference between being rich and truly wealthy 05:16 - Personal reflection: chasing societal success vs authentic fulfillment 06:11 - Listening to the body's signals of misalignment 07:00 - How nature and silence help reconnect with inner guidance 08:12 - Your internal state as a dashboard for life alignment 09:01 - The growth mindset: challenges are lessons, not losses 09:48 - Embracing difficulty as a catalyst for growth 10:41 - Challenges as opportunities for learning, not failure 11:11 - Resilience as a foundation for sustainable growth 12:33 - Joy is the journey, not the destination 13:32 - The four joy blockers and how to identify them 14:30 - Misalignment is common, but fixable 15:00 - The fallacy of suffering now and happiness later 15:59 - Joy is created on the way up, not at the top 16:50 - The risks of building success based on others’ definitions 17:19 - Connect with Cindy and her resources 18:47 - Small steps toward joy and success, inspired by Denzel Washington Connect with CindyWebsite: allegracoaching.euLinkedIn: Cindy Van Eckhout

    21 min

  3. Jun 9

    E193 - How Emotional Misalignment Can Sabotage You with Cindy Van Eeckhout

    Discover how Cindy Van Eeckout transitioned from corporate leadership in Belgium to building multiple thriving businesses in the South of France. In this episode, she shares lessons on overcoming burnout, the importance of mindset during pivots, and redefining success to prioritize joy and well-being. Perfect for entrepreneurs balancing side hustles with life’s demands, this conversation offers actionable insights to realign your goals with your inner fulfillment. Main Topics Covered:Cindy’s journey from corporate Belgium to entrepreneurship in FranceRecognizing misalignment and the decision to pivotThe significance of listening to your feelings for groundednessStrategies to slow down, reconnect, and cultivate self-awarenessFour key lessons for startup success: heart-led decisions, action, support, and learningHow mindset determines resilience during changeUnderstanding sustainable success: feeling as good as it looksThe four joy blockers: mental overload, emotional suppression, physical depletion, spiritual dissonanceWomen’s unique challenges with balance and self-careFuture projects: podcast and book about creating a life that feels as good as it looksTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Cindy’s inspiring story of reinvention 02:19 - From Belgium to south of France: chasing a dream 04:29 - Recognizing misalignment and the courage to pivot 05:52 - The importance of joy in life and business 07:01 - Staying grounded and present through nature and mindfulness 09:00 - Lessons learned when launching multiple businesses 10:13 - Four lessons for entrepreneurial success 11:32 - Surrounding yourself with support and like-minded peers 14:24 - Pivoting during the pandemic: a growth mindset approach 16:39 - Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth 17:26 - Managing emotions with clarity, self-care, and mindfulness 22:49 - Defining sustainable success: feeling as good as it looks 24:36 - The joy blockers and how to overcome them 28:49 - Supporting women in finding joy and balance 30:35 - Upcoming podcast and book projects 32:24 - The power of conversations for growth 33:39 - How to connect with Cindy and her offerings 36:19 - Final advice for side hustlers seeking joy Resources & Links:Alegria Coaching - WebsiteConnect with Cindy Van Eckout:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteThis episode is packed with concrete strategies to prevent burnout, enhance self-awareness, and build sustainable success aligned with joy. Whether you're at the start of your side hustle or navigating scale, Cindy’s insights will inspire you to realign with your true self and cultivate a fulfilling life.

    38 min

  4. Jun 5

    E192 - Lessons from Michael LeBeau: The Ultimate Side Hustle Reframe

    In this episode, host Rob Tracz explores how entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses without quitting their day jobs. Featuring insights from Michael LeBeau, a high school teacher and electronics recycling entrepreneur, the discussion challenges common myths about entrepreneurship and offers practical strategies for side hustlers. Key Topics:How a full-time job can be an asset, not an obstacle, in building a side businessThe importance of leveraging stability and structure from your day jobThe power of awareness and education in creating new business opportunitiesWhy not all entrepreneurship needs to look grand—focus on solving manageable problemsThe mindset shift from performing as an entrepreneur to simply solving problemsThe concept of building slowly and safely to sustain long-term successHow identifying overlooked problems can create unique business nichesPractical ways to start and grow a side hustle without immediate full-time commitmentTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Building sustainable success on your own terms 00:33 - The Prime Performance Process explained 01:22 - Invitation to book a free strategy session 02:13 - Reframing the side hustle: What if your job is the advantage? 02:39 - Michael Lebeau’s story: Building a company as a teacher 03:08 - Why Michael doesn’t identify as an entrepreneur 04:05 - The value of structure and stability from a day job 05:04 - The power of doing the next thing, step-by-step 06:31 - Leveraging constraints and structure for growth 07:19 - Challenging the narrative: Your job can be your advantage 08:36 - Awareness as a key business asset 09:36 - The importance of educating about hidden problems 10:34 - The opportunity gap: Educate, guide, and build trust 11:27 - Success without a leap: Building in the margins of life 12:24 - How to connect with Michael and his services 13:20 - The mindset: Not needing to be an entrepreneur, just a problem solver 14:10 - Final encouragement: Start small, solve problems, love the work 14:50 - Closing remarks: Share, review, and connect Resources & Links:Tech Cycle SolutionsSupport email: support@techcyclesolutions.comContact phone: 617-302-6306

    15 min

  5. Jun 2

    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

  6. May 29

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rob Tracz
  • Show Website
    Surviving the Side Hustle