Share The Struggle

The journey to Syracuse Nationals wasn't just another road trip – it was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity for Loud Proud American. What began with a production nightmare when our custom racing t-shirt design arrived completely wrong quickly cascaded into a series of challenges that would test our limits. Picture this: six hours on the road in 100-degree heat with a temperame...

Resilient optimism isn't just a trendy concept—it's the beating heart of entrepreneurship. After exploring this powerful mindset last week, we immediately faced the perfect opportunity to put it into practice at our first fair of the season.  The results? A much-needed victory that confirmed we're trending in the right direction after a challenging start to the year. Every single da...

Ever feel like you're drowning in challenges while trying to stay positive? That tension between acknowledging reality and maintaining hope is exactly what this episode explores through the lens of resilient optimism. We dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey — not the glamorized social media version, but the raw reality of sitting in 95-degree heat for hours to make $40, losing $1,200 wo...

Breaking a streak of bad luck doesn't require perfect circumstances – it demands a perspective shift that transforms how we experience life's inevitable challenges. As I celebrate the milestone of 260 episodes spanning five consecutive years of Share the Struggle, I find myself reflecting on a chaotic 24-hour period that perfectly illustrates this truth. From malfunctioning equipment and...

Ever notice how that familiar routine you once loved suddenly feels like a prison? That's exactly what hit me this week as I found myself sweating in my garage, recording this episode while contemplating one of life's hardest truths: I've outgrown my comfort zone. After 13 years of entertaining crowds at Bentley Saloon's bike week—hosting pinup contests, DJing events, and build...

Have you ever felt that pit in your stomach when you realize a relationship you once cherished has evolved into something that drains rather than sustains you? That moment when it dawns on you that your time, energy, and goodwill are being taken for granted? This raw, vulnerable episode dives deep into the murky waters of exploitation in relationships – whether business partnerships, friendships,...

We explore how unexpected blessings can become powerful catalysts for change when we recognize and embrace them with gratitude. • Life often tests us hardest right before sending the solutions we need • Comparing ourselves to ducks – calm on the surface but paddling frantically beneath • The challenge of running a business without reliable transportation for our family and camper • How friends Mat...

Freedom of expression comes with responsibility, and when our nation's independence celebrations are targeted for cancellation, we need to examine what this means for our shared values and identity as Americans. • TikTok trends attempting to cancel July 4th celebrations have gained national attention • Celebrating Independence Day transcends political differences and administrations • The imp...

What happens when life forces you to confront deep-seated negativity? My wife joins me to share her transformative journey in this powerful episode that examines how removing toxicity creates space for unexpected blessings. After losing her mother to suicide, my wife began evaluating every aspect of her life—relationships, possessions, and most significantly, her increasingly toxic workplace. Desp...

Ever find yourself questioning whether the entrepreneurial journey is worth it? That moment when you look at the calendar, realize half the year has passed, and your goals seem further away than ever? You're not alone. After a transformative weekend of back-to-back events kicking off our busy "selly season" (that perfect blend of selling and silly that defines entrepreneurial life),...

What happens when your business is growing 92% but you're still struggling with doubt, guilt, and anxiety? Welcome to the entrepreneur's paradox. Ever feel like you're being pulled in multiple directions at once? In this revealing solo episode, I dive into the complex emotions that come with balancing new fatherhood, business expansion, and pursuing the American dream on my own term...

Alli joins us again to share the conclusion of her healing journey through shamanic Reiki sessions, focusing on finding closure after her biological mother's passing due to addiction. • Appreciating listeners who reached out with support and sharing similar experiences • Describing the experience of loving an addict as a roller coaster of ups and downs • Importance of setting boundaries despi...

Alli returns to share her healing journey after opening up about her mother's tragic loss to addiction and suicide last week. • Sharing raw, vulnerable stories in real-time speeds up healing and can help others find their own path forward • Multiple listeners reached out after last week's episode to share their own struggles and some even requested to share their stories on the podcast •...

The grip of addiction tears through families like a silent hurricane, leaving behind shattered relationships and broken promises. In this raw, vulnerable episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to love someone battling addiction – and the impossible choices that love sometimes demands. Through a daughter's heartbreaking journey growing up with addicted parents, we witness the devastati...

"Maine continues to cater to transgenders at the expense of women." This powerful statement opens a raw, honest conversation about a growing controversy in Maine's social landscape. Following the state's decisions about transgender policies in women's sports and prisons, attention now turns to the Miss Maine pageant, where the first-ever transgender contestant will compete...

Maine's transgender policies have cast the state into an unwelcome national spotlight, creating ripple effects that reach from schoolyards to prison cells and ultimately into living rooms of everyday families like mine. The federal government recently pulled $1.5 million in funding from Maine's Department of Corrections over its policy allowing transgender inmates to be housed according...

I explore whether social media can actually increase productivity, sharing surprising results from a challenge my wife gave me to do TikTok Lives while working. This counterintuitive approach completely transformed my perspective on how social platforms can benefit my business. • My struggle with social media as both necessary for business and a massive distraction • How dopamine addiction creates...

The moment you notice something isn't right with your child, your entire world shifts on its axis. For us, that moment came when our six-month-old daughter Paisley began experiencing strange head-dropping episodes that would ultimately lead us on an unexpected 72-hour journey through fear, uncertainty, and eventually, profound relief. What started as a routine Friday quickly spiraled into a w...

After our Daytona Bike Week adventure, we face the hard truth about whether the financial outcome justified the personal sacrifices made to attend the event. The tension between leaving family behind and achieving business results creates a powerful backdrop for exploring what "success" really means. • Financial results fell short of expectations despite positive relationship-building •...

After completing Loud Proud American's greatest challenge and biggest risk—attending Daytona Bike Week as a vendor—I reflect on this transformative adventure and the incredible relationships formed along the way. • Giving heartfelt thanks to Brian and Zach Pomerleau who put their lives on hold to help make this dream possible • Driving 26 hours straight in our converted school bus "Large...

This episode explores the emotional journey of a new dad preparing to leave his family for Daytona Bike Week, highlighting the balance between pursuing business ambitions and family responsibility. The hosts discuss the financial and emotional complexities of the decision, encouraging listeners to embrace growth through their struggles. • Emotional conflict of leaving family behind  • Importance o...

Maine's current political landscape is under fire as Governor Mills and The Maine Principal association defy federal law. Join us for a candid discussion, we explore how state leadership is failing to represent the interests of its citizens in the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in women's sports and in doing so it is also failing to protect women in sports and even jeopardizin...

The episode delves into the transformation of comedy, especially focusing on the shift of Saturday Night Live from a beloved pastime to a divisive political commentary. By sharing personal stories of how humor has shaped relationships and identity, we explore the importance of unity in confronting societal challenges.  • Discussion of childhood influences and comfort with humor  • Personal anecdot...

This episode explores the complexities of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and vulnerability. By addressing uncomfortable truths and offering insights into both romantic connections and self-love, we remind listeners that genuine relationships require effort and authenticity.  • Importance of uncomfortable conversations in relationships  • Valentine's...

This episode dives into the personal struggle of balancing the pressures of getting shit done while grappling with financial, physical, and emotional challenges. The host discusses the impact of the "get shit done" mentality and how it can lead to burnout, financial hardship, and self-criticism, coupled with lessons learned from "Buy Back Your Time" Dan Martell's book abou...