Best Blaine Bertsch Podcasts (2025)

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Cybersecurity “Your Website Called… It’s Under Attack” on Mike and Blaine 56:17

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4d ago56:17

56:17

Send us a text You’re not Amazon. You don’t sell crypto. So why would hackers come for your tiny business website? That’s exactly what they’re hoping you’ll think. In this episode, Mike and Blaine dig into the sneaky (and shockingly common) cyber threats that target small business sites—from stolen card testing to DDoS attacks to rogue plugins from…

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Paul Barnhurst on the Expanding Role of the CFO 24:22

5d ago24:22

24:22

In this episode, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to explore the expanding role of today’s CFO, who must now navigate not just finance but operations, technology, and strategy. They dive into how AI and automation are transforming the finance function, the ongoing struggle with data quality, and the growing need for cross-functional col…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset “One Bad Hunch from Broke” on Mike and Blaine 52:52

11d ago52:52

52:52

Send us a text Every small business owner says they “know their numbers,”… but do they? In this episode, Mike & Blaine unpack the growing tension between gut instinct and data-driven decision-making. When should you trust your intuition, and when does your spreadsheet know better? They’ll explore stories where trusting the vibe paid off—and where i…

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Business Innovation “Business Plans Are Dead” on Mike and Blaine 56:57

11d ago56:57

56:57

Send us a text Forget 80-page business plans gathering dust - this week, Mike and Blaine dive into the Lean Canvas and how to map your entire business model on a single page. They’ll explore how this tool helps you spot holes in your strategy, simplify your thinking, and finally answer: “Do I even know how my business actually works?” Along the way…

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Avoiding Common ERP Pitfalls with Bob Light 29:09

12d ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Bob Light to unpack the challenges of implementing financial software systems. They explore why understanding internal processes and pain points is critical before selecting a system, and how involving stakeholders early can lead to smoother adoption. Bob and Blaine highlight the importanc…

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Ben Taylor on Mastering Multi-Entity Accounting 23:43

20d ago23:43

23:43

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to explore the growing complexities of accounting in multi-entity organizations. Ben unpacks the operational and financial challenges that surface as businesses scale, especially when relying on outdated systems or manual processes. Together, they discuss the…

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Scaling Challenges “Scale or Spread: The Growth Dilemma” on Mike and Blaine 59:37

25d ago59:37

59:37

Send us a text You want growth, but should you win new customers, or just squeeze more juice out of the ones you’ve already got? In this episode, Mike and Blaine debate the age-old dilemma: grow wide or grow deep. It’s volume versus value, buy-one-get-one versus buy-better-now. From high-touch boutique brilliance to discount disasters, we’re breaki…

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Sabir Semerkant of Growth by Sabir 1:00:51

26d ago1:00:51

1:00:51

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch speaks with Sabir Semerkant, founder of Growth by Sabir and a leading voice in e-commerce strategy. Sabir shares his unlikely path from childhood coder to e-commerce consultant, unpacking how data, consumer psychology, and a relentless focus on optimization drive sustainable business growth. He dives…

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Scott Hollrah on Navigating Data Challenges in Finance 27:15

28d ago27:15

27:15

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch speaks with Scott Hollrah, CEO of Venn Technology, about the often-overlooked challenges finance teams face when working with fragmented data across ERPs, CRMs, and other systems. Scott shares real-world examples of how manual processes bog down efficiency and limit CFOs from making timely, informed deci…

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Business Leadership “Petty, Power Move or Pity Party” on Mike and Blaine 54:36

1M ago54:36

54:36

Send us a text Every business owner’s been there—you get slighted, ignored, or disrespected... and suddenly you’re plotting like a Bond villain with a balance sheet. In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the dangerously entertaining world of petty decisions in business. From cutting off clients for using Comic Sans to launching entire product …

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Kirstin Carey of Evolve 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

In this episode, Blaine Bertsch sits down with entrepreneur Kirstin Carey to unpack her journey through marketing, public speaking, the restaurant industry, and the wellness space. From launching gluten-free restaurants to creating a wellness program focused on reversing autoimmune conditions, Kirsten shares the highs and lows of building businesse…

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Greg McDonough on Turning Data into Better Business Decisions 23:03

1M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Greg McDonough, Managing Partner at Blackburn Capital and seasoned financial coach, to discuss why clean, consistent financial data is the cornerstone of smart business decisions. Greg shares his experience working with entrepreneurs who often operate on instinct instead of insights, highlightin…

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Eli Portnoy of BackEngine 47:55

1M ago47:55

47:55

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Eli Portnoy to explore his candid and compelling journey through multiple startups. From launching his first venture in college to leading companies like Sense360 and BackEngine, Eli shares hard-won lessons on the importance of timing, resilience, and the power of customer insight. He …

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Marketing Strategies “Brilliant Marketing: Broke Edition” on Mike and Blaine 58:19

1M ago58:19

58:19

Send us a text No money? No problem—at least when it comes to marketing… if you know what you’re doing. In this episode, Mike and Blaine share clever, cost-effective ways for startups and budget-strapped small businesses to get noticed without breaking the bank. From DIY branding to guerrilla tactics that actually work, you’ll hear real examples of…

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Digital Transformation “It Seemed Like A Good Idea” on Mike and Blaine 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

Send us a text Mike thought he was leveling up his website with a shiny new AI-powered SEO tool—until it locked everyone out of the content... while he was hosting a live event. Classic. This week, Mike and Blaine unpack how even well-intentioned upgrades can lead to unexpected chaos. From tech tools that break things to marketing campaigns that go…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset “Learning Again For The First Time” on Mike and Blaine 55:04

2M ago55:04

55:04

Send us a text Remember when learning something new felt exciting instead of exhausting? This week, Mike and Blaine dig into the brain fog that hits business owners as the years—and responsibilities—pile up. From shifting mindsets to full calendars to the illusion that “you already know enough,” they unpack why staying sharp gets harder with age—an…

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Customer Acquisition “The Booth Will Expose You” on Mike and Blaine 58:10

2M ago58:10

58:10

Send us a text There’s nothing like standing in a 10x10 booth, repeating your pitch 83 times, to figure out what actually makes people stop and listen. This week, Mike and Blaine break down how trade shows act as a marketing forcing function—pushing you to clarify your message, sharpen your offer, and finally ditch that confusing slogan you’ve been…

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Brand Management “Trademark or Trust The Universe?” on Mike and Blaine 55:44

2M ago55:44

55:44

Send us a text You’ve built a name, a logo, and a business you’re proud of—so should you trademark it all before someone else does? Or is that just lawyer bait? This week, Mike and Blaine debate whether small businesses really need to worry about brand protection, and when it makes sense to spend the money. From horror stories of stolen names to th…

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Modernizing Lease Management with Greg Kautz 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch is joined by lease accounting expert Greg Kautz to dive into the evolving landscape of lease management. They unpack the growing complexities introduced by new accounting standards, the ongoing reliance on spreadsheets, and the shortcomings of traditional ERP systems. Greg offers practical insights on ho…

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Adam Nathan of Blaze 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Adam Nathan, CEO of Blaze, to explore the mindset, experiences, and strategies that have shaped his entrepreneurial path. Adam shares lessons from his time at Apple and within government administration, revealing how a deep understanding of human needs and societal challenges has guide…

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Digital Transformation “Too Many Tools, Not Enough Results” on Mike and Blaine 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

Send us a text From CRMs to chatbots to five different task apps—you’ve got tools for your tools. But are they helping, or just adding chaos? This week, Mike and Blaine unpack the tech overload hitting small business owners in 2025. They’ll dig into why more software isn’t always the answer, how to tell if a tool is costing you more than it saves, …

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Talent Acquisition “The Talent Pool Shortage Survival Guide” on Mike and Blaine 1:00:16

3M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Send us a text Hiring feels like fishing in a dry pond lately—everyone’s looking, no one’s biting. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real reasons small business owners struggle to hire and keep great people. From job posts that scare applicants away to training that burns time but not results, they break down how to stop relying on unicorn hire…

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FX, AI & the Payment Revolution with Adam Katz 25:08

3M ago25:08

25:08

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch is joined by Adam Katz for a deep dive into the world of foreign exchange and B2B payments. They explore the payment challenges that CFOs face—from hidden FX fees and inefficiencies to the importance of data and building relationships with FX providers. Adam shares expert insights on how businesses can n…

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Leadership Development “Burn The Old Playbook” on Mike and Blaine 1:00:52

3M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Send us a text If you’re running your 2025 business with a 2019 playbook… good luck. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real shifts happening right now—from tighter margins and higher customer expectations to the never-ending hiring puzzle. The old rules aren’t just outdated—they might be costing you money. Tune in for a fresh, no-BS look at how…

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Operational Efficiency “The Devil’s In The Details…and so is your Profit” on Mike and Blaine 55:27

3M ago55:27

55:27

Send us a text In business, missing the little stuff can cost you big. This week, Mike and Blaine zoom in on why attention to detail is the unsung hero of success—whether it’s catching a typo in a contract, noticing a shift in customer habits, or realizing your receipts don’t match your register. They’ll share real stories where overlooking the obv…

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Brand Differentiation “When You Change Everything” on Mike and Blaine 53:26

3M ago53:26

53:26

Send us a text One day everything's flowing, the next—BAM—your go-to partner's got a new plan, a new look, or a new direction. Sound familiar? This week, Mike and Blaine get personal, unpacking the behind-the-scenes drama from the past month and talking about what happens when a business changes something people have gotten used to. Whether it’s a …

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Marketing Strategies “Why Your Discounts Aren’t Working” on Mike and Blaine 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Nothing confuses (or annoys) customers more than a discount that’s hard to understand. "Buy one, get 37% off the second item—unless it's Tuesday?" Yeah, no thanks. This week, Mike and Blaine break down how clear, simple messaging can make discounts more effective, increase conversions, and keep customers happy. From the psychology be…

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Crisis Management “What Scares Business Owners the Most?” on Mike and Blaine 55:53

4M ago55:53

55:53

Send us a text Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart—one wrong move, and suddenly, you’re stress-Googling “how to survive a cash flow crisis.” This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the biggest fears that keep small business owners up at night—from running out of money to that gut-dropping moment when a client “just disappears.” Is fear a busi…

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Ken MacKenzie of Fresh Victor 56:00

4M ago56:00

56:00

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine sits down with Ken McKenzie, founder and CEO of Fresh Victor premium mixers, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from co-founding Republic Tequila to revolutionizing the cocktail mixer market. Ken shares insights on the evolution of the tequila industry, the role of personal relationships in business succ…

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Business Mindset “I Should Be Working, But…” on Mike and Blaine 57:19

5M ago57:19

57:19

Send us a text You should be working, but… suddenly, deep-diving into fantasy football stats feels mission-critical. Or maybe your office setup needs a feng shui overhaul before you can send that email. Mike and Blaine dig into the hilarious ways we avoid real work and why some distractions might actually make us better at our jobs. From procrastin…

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Mike Shum on Navigating the Debt Landscape 23:42

5M ago23:42

23:42

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Mike Shum dive into the evolving world of private credit and debt financing, shedding light on the challenges businesses face in securing debt and managing financial data. They explore the critical role of transparency, the increasing complexity of debt structures, and how technology—specifically Cas…

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Operational Efficiency “The Business Check-Up You Are Avoiding” on Mike and Blaine 52:43

5M ago52:43

52:43

Send us a text Think audits are just about taxes? Think again. Mike and Blaine dig into why every small business should audit its own systems, processes, expenses, and client records—before disaster strikes. From catching bloated costs to uncovering inefficiencies that are bleeding cash, they’ll show you how a proactive audit keeps your business ru…

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Borja Cuan of Four15 Digital 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine interviews Borja Cuan, Co-Founder of Four15 Digital, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the foundational lessons that have shaped his career. From selling golf balls as a child to leading a successful digital marketing agency, Borja shares insights on mentorship, networking, and the operational strat…

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Robert Grazioli of Bread 56:18

5M ago56:18

56:18

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine chats with Robert Grazioli, the Managing Partner of Bread, a Brooklyn-based Digital Agency. They dive into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, highlighting the unique challenges and growth opportunities founders face—especially those transitioning from service-based businesses to product development. They…

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Business Finance “Future Proof or Fortune Telling” on Mike and Blaine 57:19

5M ago57:19

57:19

Send us a text Is forecasting in small business a game-changer or just another crystal ball gimmick? Mike and Blaine dive into the pros, cons, and occasional absurdities of trying to predict the future with spreadsheets. Can you really see what’s coming, or are you just guessing with extra steps? Tune in as Mike and Blaine debate whether forecastin…

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Morgan Hines on Unlocking Cost Savings in Corporate Travel 24:09

5M ago24:09

24:09

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine sits down with Morgan Hines to explore the significant impact of travel expenses on small and medium-sized businesses. They dive into the hidden costs of corporate travel management, from human error in booking to missed savings due to lack of access to corporate travel tools. Morgan highlights how Navan is leve…

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Operational Efficiency “Is Difficulty Just An Illusion?” on Mike and Blaine 55:38

5M ago55:38

55:38

Send us a text Ever avoided something because it looked impossible, only to find out it was easier than tying your shoes? Mike and Blaine are tackling the myth of difficulty—those tasks, skills, and business moves that seem Herculean but are actually just smoke and mirrors. From taxes to tightrope walking (okay, maybe not that one), they’ll break d…

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Eric Hui of Terracea 44:53

5M ago44:53

44:53

In this episode of Turning Point, Eric Hui, founder of Terracea, shares his journey from corporate life to creating a cold-weather outdoor apparel brand. He discusses identifying market gaps, the challenges of product development, and the importance of funding through platforms like Kickstarter. Eric reflects on the resilience needed to overcome se…

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Business development “Prove It! When Actions Speak Dollars” on Mike and Blaine 54:32

6M ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text Why tell when you can show? Mike and Blaine dive into the power of demonstration in business persuasion, revealing how a killer demo can turn skeptics into buyers. From sizzling steakhouse theatrics to showing off apps that actually work, they’ll break down why actions speak louder than words (and why that’s great for your bottom lin…

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Cost Control “Convenience or Con? Why We Pay More For Less” on Mike and Blaine 56:05

6M ago56:05

56:05

Send us a text Minibars, fast passes, and VIP lanes—are they life-savers or wallet-drainers? Mike and Blaine pop the lid on convenience services, weighing the time they save against the cash they cost. From ghost kitchens to valet parking, they’ll debate whether paying a premium is genius or just lazy. Is convenience king, or are we crowning a scam…

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Shena White of Your Pocket CFO 44:05

6M ago44:05

44:05

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch and Sheena White dive into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, exploring Sheena’s reluctant start in business and the pivotal moments that shaped her journey to success. Together, they unpack the balancing act of financial management, from understanding the critical differences between cash flow …

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Navigating the ERP Journey with Sam Gupta 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Sam Gupta dive deep into the intricacies of ERP implementation, a transformative journey that requires meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment. They discuss the pivotal role of CFOs in ensuring ERP projects address both financial and operational needs, emphasizing phase z…

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Business Communication “Crash-Proof Client Conversations” on Mike and Blaine 58:51

6M ago58:51

58:51

Send us a text Great client communication is like an Evel Knievel stunt—thrilling when it works, but a disaster if you miss the landing. Mike and Blaine dive into the art of understanding and adapting to different communication styles to build trust, inspire action, and get results. They’ll share how to navigate tricky conversations, avoid communic…

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Leadership Development “Resolve To Evolve” on Mike and Blaine 58:10

6M ago58:10

58:10

Send us a text New year, new goals, same challenges! Mike and Blaine dive into the world of small business New Year’s resolutions—why they’re made, why they’re broken, and how to stick to them without losing your sanity. From cash flow goals to team resolutions, they’ll share tips to keep your business thriving in 2025. Tune in to hear their take o…

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Business Leadership “Wrap It Up Right” on Mike and Blaine 55:57

7M ago55:57

55:57

Send us a text In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we dive into the ultimate year-end checklist for small businesses. It’s not just about tax prep—think inventory, financial reviews, and goal setting for the year ahead. We’ll share tips to streamline your operations, close the books with confidence, and set your business up for success in 2025. From …

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AI in Business “Your New Best Friend” on Mike and Blaine 55:01

7M ago55:01

55:01

Send us a text AI is everywhere—from taking notes in your Zoom meetings to whispering advice through wearable gadgets. In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the rise of everyday AI and how it’s turning us all into cyborgs (kind of). Are we embracing the future or just outsourcing our thinking? Tune in as they explore the good, the bad, and the…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset “Overthinking Kills Strategy” on Mike and Blaine 56:10

7M ago56:10

56:10

Send us a text Everyone thinks strategy has to be some elaborate, 50-page manifesto with flowcharts and footnotes, but in reality, it can be as simple as knowing where you want to go and how to get there. In this episode, Mike and Blaine debunk the myth that strategy has to be complicated and show how even small moves can lead to big wins. In this …

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Don’t End up in A.I Hell with Usman Mahmood 33:25

7M ago33:25

33:25

Join Blaine Bertsch and Usman Mahmood as they dive into the essential groundwork for harnessing AI in business. This episode of FinFactor uncovers why a solid data structure and organizational data maturity are critical before adopting AI technologies. Usman and Blaine break down data maturity stages, highlight AI's transformative role in enhancing…

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The Key to Successful Fundraising with Jonathon Angell 43:59

7M ago43:59

43:59

In this engaging episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jonathon Angell to unpack the world of innovative strategies for fundraising and financing in business. They explore diverse financing options, the impact of partnerships, and the importance of networking and relationships in securing funding. They dive into the intricacies of mer…

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Tom Schwab of Interview Valet 46:28

8M ago46:28

46:28

In this episode, host Blaine Bertsch chats with Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet, for an in-depth discussion about the entrepreneurial journey. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of building a business, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the support of a strong community. Drawing from their personal exp…