Business Under Fire 2025 Wrap! Season 01, Episode 42

Описание: In this special year-end episode, host Tommy reflects on the first year of Business Under Fire with surprise guest Matt Wheeler from Lubbock, Texas. After completing nearly 50 episodes in year one, Tommy shares the raw truth about podcasting costs, the unexpected connections made, and the real ROI that goes far beyond download numbers.
From spending $3-4K per month on production to being in the top 20% of podcasts with just 100-300 downloads per week, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful business podcast. Tommy also shares two powerful stories that made the entire year worthwhile: how the podcast helped two old friends reconnect before one passed away, and how a guest offered life-changing free treatments to Tommy's friend battling cancer.
Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast, looking for business networking strategies, or just want to hear honest reflections on entrepreneurship, this episode delivers authentic insights you won't find anywhere else.

Timestamps
[00:00:41] - Introduction: Year one recap begins
[00:01:30] - Why commit to 52 episodes and what we actually delivered
[00:02:10] - Matt Wheeler joins as surprise guest
[00:02:53] - Setting up the podcast studio - what equipment you actually need
[00:04:18] - Attracting guests vs. chasing them down
[00:06:20] - The value of sitting down with people for 90 minutes
[00:07:42] - Meeting Martin McDougal and other high-level business owners
[00:09:06] - Real business connections made through podcasting
[00:10:25] - The biggest struggles starting a podcast
[00:12:23] - The shocking truth about podcast statistics and top 20%
[00:13:01] - Reels vs. downloads: hundreds of thousands vs. hundreds
[00:14:09] - How podcasting makes your voice familiar to strangers
[00:15:31] - The real costs: $3-4K per month initially
[00:16:24] - Ryan the Lion flies in for the podcast
[00:17:12] - Committing to year two of Business Under Fire
[00:17:35] - [CLIP 2] Podcast costs and ROI breakdown
[00:18:47] - Social media challenges for 8 years
[00:19:43] - Why commit to 52 episodes in the first place
[00:20:34] - Discipline and commitment that separates success from failure
[00:21:10] - The hardest parts of podcasting
[00:22:38] - Standout guests and special moments
[00:24:16] - Ernest Cervantes - The Pope of Barbecue at Burnt Bean Co
[00:26:24] - What all successful guests have in common
[00:26:51] - [CLIP 1] Martin Dan & Ronnie Bernard reconciliation story
[00:29:00] - Mr. Castle and the trucking company story
[00:29:34] - [CLIP 3] How podcast connected cancer patient with free treatment
[00:31:34] - One person, one change = mission accomplished
[00:32:30] - Blake Flanagan's energy and success mindset
[00:33:13] - Ryan the Lion's incredible origin story
[00:36:09] - Recent employee car accident update
[00:36:47] - Commitment to year two of podcasting
[00:38:00] - Turning down guests - something we never expected
[00:38:34] - Logan Wayne and the weed story (doctor's orders!)
[00:41:20] - Not drinking but owning two of Lubbock's best bars
[00:42:33] - The pipeline of employees from Lubbock
[00:43:41] - Looking for advertiser money to make this a full-time job
[00:44:11] - Shout out to Western Bank and Megan
[00:45:20] - How the podcast brings opportunities to you
[00:46:26] - From 1 employee to 275: the growth journey
[00:47:13] - Sharing the struggles openly on the podcast
[00:48:04] - The runway is clear for takeoff
[00:49:20] - Looking for a seat at the bigger table
[00:49:48] - Coach Michael Burke and getting seats at big tables
[00:50:42] - People are the key to business - period
[00:51:31] - The journey from Miguel's to 5 locations
[00:51:56] - Building two airplane hangars in 370 days
[00:53:06] - How to buy and sell real estate without paying for it
[00:55:00] - Building a helipad with pilot-controlled lighting
[00:56:09] - The mocktail market and non-alcoholic alternatives
[00:57:44] - Final thoughts and appreciation for year one
[00:58:06] - Thanks to Matt Wheeler for jumping in last minute