135ºF Podcast

A short reflection on pressure, interruptions and why entrepreneurs...especially those building with limited resources... must learn not to let challenges redefine momentum. Sometimes the real discipline is simply continuing.

Part 2: Opportunity, Emotion & Discipline In bootstrap entrepreneurship, not every opportunity is aligned — and not every feeling deserves funding. In Part 2 of The Journeys Within the Journey series, we unpack the hidden cost of distraction, emotional decision-making, and undisciplined growth. When money is tight and pressure is high, everything feels urgent. But urgency isn’t strategy. This...

The Journeys Within the Journey | A 3-Part Founder Series Most people think bootstrap entrepreneurship is one journey — start the business, get customers, make money, survive. But that’s not the real story. Inside every bootstrap journey are smaller, invisible journeys happening at the same time. The journey of hiring the right people. The journey of learning to train. The journey of recognizing r...

Before the emails. Before the kitchen. Before the meetings. Every bootstrap entrepreneur starts the day the same way — negotiating with themselves. In this episode of 135°F , Joshua breaks down the invisible work of building without investors, without a large team, and without a safety net. When you don’t have capital, your time becomes your currency. Your attention becomes your leverage. And your...

In this episode, Joshua Black discusses the myth of work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by bootstrap entrepreneurs, particularly African American founders. He highlights the structural barriers and funding gaps that affect black entrepreneurs, and redefines balance as a negotiation and rhythm. The conversation provides insight into the struggle, resilience, and intentional balance of...

Joshua Black shares his journey of starting a food business from scratch, beginning with a trailer and building the business from the ground up through financial struggles and resourcefulness. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to a brick and mortar, the impact of visibility and competition, and the complementary nature of a food truck and a brick and mortar, along with strategic growth...

In this episode, Joshua Black discusses the topics of bags, cards, and the psychology of fees. He explores the pros and cons of credit card fees and bag fees, shedding light on the impact of these fees on businesses and customers. Takeaways Credit Card Fees Bag Fees Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bags, Cards, and a Psychology of Fees

In this episode, Joshua Black discusses the strategy for small businesses to win by reframing their limits. He emphasizes the importance of highlighting what big businesses try to hide and how perceived weaknesses, when framed correctly, become behavioral advantages. The episode is divided into four segments, each exploring different aspects of reframing limitations and leveraging them as strength...

The second episode of the 135 degree podcast focuses on the themes of burnout, pressure, and showing up in the context of mental and emotional survival in business. The host, Joshua Black, shares personal experiences and insights into the toll of entrepreneurship, the breaking point, and what helps him press through and survive. The episode provides valuable perspectives on the challenges and rewa...

The inaugural episode of the 135 degrees Podcast features Joshua Black sharing his entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of starting a business to the rebranding process and the introduction of his podcast, 135 Degrees. The conversation highlights the struggles of being a 'poorpreneur' and the goal of supporting entrepreneurs in their journey. Takeaways Starting a business from scratch Over...