# episode small (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 5 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover episode small. Page: Feed: --- ## First-Time EDs: The Messes, the Fear, and What Actually Helps _2026-08-18 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Most leaders don't talk about what actually happens the day you walk into an ED role. They talk about the vision and the strategy, not the fact that your admin manager just quit, the reserves are empty, and you're going to have to let people go before you've even found the bathroom. This episode is about that first year as an ED, unfiltered . On this week's episode of The Small… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19660919-first-time-eds-the-messes-the-fear-and-what-actually-helps.mp3) ## Donors Can't Find You. Here's How to Fix That. _2026-08-11 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Search engines were never built with equity in mind. The organizations that show up first are the ones with money for ads, not necessarily the ones doing the most impactful work. For small and grassroots nonprofits, that means decades of good work can go unseen by the donors, program officers, and advisors who'd want to support it if they only knew it existed. It's clear the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19614784-donors-can-t-find-you-here-s-how-to-fix-that.mp3) ## What Hotels Can Teach Every Business Owner About Customer Experience _2026-08-06 · Small Business Success Talk_ What can a hotel teach you about running your business? Turns out... A LOT. After spending the past month living out of hotels while traveling, I started noticing something. The businesses that earn five-star reviews aren't necessarily the fanciest. They're the ones that make people feel seen. So I took the Top 10 complaints hotel guests have and the Top 10 things they absolutely love...and… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL3140858615.mp3?updated=1709955723) ## Values Alignment 101: The Fundraiser's Guide to Picking Funders _2026-08-04 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Ever felt pressure to chase every funding opportunity that crosses your desk just because the deadline lines up and the dollar amount looks good? This episode is your permission to slow down. You'll learn why "does this person have money" is the wrong first question, and what to actually look for before you sink hours into an application or a pitch. You'll hear the real cost of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19594231-values-alignment-101-the-fundraiser-s-guide-to-picking-funders.mp3) ## [429 | All Or Nothing, Now Or Never](https://amberdelagarza.com/429-all-nothing-now-never) _2026-08-03 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Why can't I get started? Even when you know exactly what you want, something keeps stalling you out. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm bringing back a favorite because the message is just as true today: getting stuck usually isn't a willpower problem, it's a thinking pattern. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ Why All Or Nothing Thinking Quietly Sabotages… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_429_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## Taking Care of the Caretakers: Compassion Fatigue Is Real and Here's How To Fight It _2026-07-28 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Most nonprofits pour everything into the people and causes they serve, and forget the staff doing that work every single day. This episode flips the script. We're talking about what it actually looks like to take care of the caretakers, especially when your team is dealing with trauma, grief, or emotional burnout as part of the job. You'll hear how one nonprofit built a staff… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19533728-taking-care-of-the-caretakers-compassion-fatigue-is-real-and-here-s-how-to-fight-it.mp3) ## You Don't Have to Love Donor-Advised Funds to Have a Strategy for Them _2026-07-21 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are the fastest-growing way to give in Canada, the US, and the UK, and most nonprofits still don't have the words "donor-advised fund" anywhere on their website. This episode isn't a case for DAFs. It's a case for having a strategy for them anyway, so that money moves toward community instead of sitting in an advisor's spreadsheet. In this episode, Mike… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19509933-you-don-t-have-to-love-donor-advised-funds-to-have-a-strategy-for-them.mp3) ## [428 | Encore: Self-Discipline: The Driving Force Behind Showing Up Consistently With Dre Baldwin](https://amberdelagarza.com/428-encore-self-discipline-driving-force-behind-showing-consistently-dre-baldwin) _2026-07-20 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Discipline without motivation isn't willpower. If you've been trying to force yourself into consistency and wondering why it keeps falling apart, you may have been solving the wrong problem. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, Dre Baldwin breaks down what produces discipline and why the pros never wait to feel like it. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ Why… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_428_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## Plain Language, Real Impact: How to Communicate So Donors Actually Listen _2026-07-14 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Posting on social media and hoping donations follow? You might be setting yourself up for disappointment. In this episode, we get into why social media is often a top-of-funnel tool, not a direct-response one, and why that's not a bad thing once you understand how to use it right. We talk about the algorithm problem nobody wants to admit: that even your own followers might never… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19457965-plain-language-real-impact-how-to-communicate-so-donors-actually-listen.mp3) ## Getting Off the Grants Hamster Wheel: The Skills You Already Have to Diversify Your Funding _2026-07-07 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail If your fundraising calendar is back-to-back grant deadlines and event planning, you might be stuck on a treadmill that's working against you. Grants and events share something that doesn't get talked about enough: they're two of the highest time investment portfolios in the fundraising world. The good news? If you're good at grants, you're already sitting on a foundation of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19409665-getting-off-the-grants-hamster-wheel-the-skills-you-already-have-to-diversify-your-funding.mp3) ## [Meet Claude, the AI assistant (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/WdrCzHpNMgzI) _2026-07-07 · **Sponsored**_ Conversational AI to answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and help with tasks. ## [427 | Mid-Year Realignment: Finish Your Year Strong](https://amberdelagarza.com/427-mid-year-realignment-finish-your-year-strong) _2026-07-06 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Your mid-year business review doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you planned every detail of your year back in January or you've been running on instinct, you're at the halfway point, and it's not too late to finish strong. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'll walk you through how to run a simple mid-year business review, realign across the eight areas of… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_472_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## The Truth About Entrepreneurship _2026-07-01 · Small Business Success Talk_ The word entrepreneur has become one of the most overused titles in business. Owning a business doesn't automatically make someone entrepreneurial. Having ideas doesn't automatically create a company. And success rarely happens as fast as social media would have us believe. In this week's Christy's Corner episode, I explore: • What entrepreneurship actually means• Why resilience matters more than… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL2929106299.mp3?updated=1709955708) ## What to Do When Your Fundraiser Quits to Maintain Momentum and Find the Right Candidate _2026-06-30 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Your fundraiser just handed in their notice. Now what? Before you dust off that three-year-old job description and blast it out, there are a few things you need to know. Fundraiser turnover is one of the most disruptive events a small nonprofit can face. Donor relationships go quiet, grant deadlines get missed, and someone who already has a full plate suddenly inherits a whole new… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19409657-what-to-do-when-your-fundraiser-quits-to-maintain-momentum-and-find-the-right-candidate.mp3) ## Burnt-Out EDs (And What to Do Before You Reach Your Limit) _2026-06-23 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail A burnt-out Executive Director doesn't just affect themselves. The team feels it. The culture shifts. The bold, brave decisions that your community depends on? They stop happening. And yet, so many EDs stay well past their limit because the tools, staffing, or board support to do anything differently simply don't exist. If you're an ED who's been running on fumes, or a board… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19383677-burnt-out-eds-and-what-to-do-before-you-reach-your-limit.mp3) ## [426 | The Financial Reports You Keep Avoiding With Natalia Zacharin](http://amberdelagarza.com/426-financials-you-keep-avoiding-natalia-zacharin) _2026-06-22 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ When was the last time you actually sat down with your financial reports? Not your bank balance. Your profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I sit down with Natalia Zacharin to dig into what your small business financial reports are really telling you about your profit, your cash, and your next hire, and why the bank… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_426_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## Sorry Isn't Enough: A 5-Step Framework for Nonprofit Accountability That Actually Repairs Harm _2026-06-16 · Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits_ Send us Fan Mail Most nonprofits are good at issuing apologies, but terrible at actually changing. There's a difference between saying "I'm sorry" and doing the work of repair, and that gap is exactly where trust goes to die. In this episode, we get into what accountability actually means, why so few organizations do it well, and what it looks like when it's done right. On this week's episode of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/episodes/19349815-sorry-isn-t-enough-a-5-step-framework-for-nonprofit-accountability-that-actually-repairs-harm.mp3) ## [425 | Productive Procrastination: Why Staying Busy Keeps You Stuck](https://amberdelagarza.com/425-productive-procrastination-staying-busy-keeps-you-stuck) _2026-06-08 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Productive procrastination keeps you busy but stuck, and it's one of the sneakiest patterns in business because it doesn't feel like avoidance. It feels like a good day. It feels like achievement. But it's not. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm breaking down why your brain craves the easy win, what's really happening when you avoid the important work, and the… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_425_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## What If You Let Your Imagination Run Your Business Again? _2026-06-03 · Small Business Success Talk_ When was the last time you gave yourself permission to imagine something bigger? In this Christy's Corner episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy shares an unexpected lesson sparked by a morning at Walt Disney World—and a little girl experiencing pure wonder on the Little Mermaid attraction. That moment led to a much bigger question: What happens when entrepreneurs stop using their… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL4013084330.mp3?updated=1709955706) ## [424 | Breaking The 'Do It Myself' Habit: A Client Case Study With Lauren Vallario](https://amberdelagarza.com/424-breaking-do-it-myself-habit-client-case-study-lauren-vallario) _2026-05-27 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ You hired help, but you're still the one answering every question, checking every detail, and catching up on work after hours. Ready to finally stop doing everything yourself in business? In this week's episode of the S mall Business Straight Talk Podcast , I sit down with my client, Lauren Vallario, who shares her journey of creating boundaries, systems & team growth. We also talk about what two… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_424_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Ep. 412 | Inside the Florida SBDC Network's 5th Annual Small Business Success Summit](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-412-inside-the-florida-sbdc-networks-5th-annual-small-business-success-summit/) _2026-05-18 · Small Biz Florida_ In this episode of the Small Biz Florida Podcast, host Tom Kindred sits down with Bridget LaCoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationship Manager for the Florida SBDC Network, to discuss the upcoming 5th Annual Small Business Success Summit taking place August 17–18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. Bridget shares what attendees can expect from this year’s event, including inspiring… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hkg9jvt6f7q5v2qg/SBSS_Promo_Episode_with_Bridget_-6301d.mp3) ## [Hire AI-Powered Professionals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/vQBkIudJI5o2) _2026-05-18 · **Sponsored**_ Browse public gigs, message candidates, and run video interviews — free to start. ## [Ep. 411 | Unlocking Hidden Savings for Small Businesses with Margin First Advisors](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-411-unlocking-hidden-savings-for-small-businesses-with-margin-first-advisors/) _2026-05-18 · Small Biz Florida_ On this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Fred Lenz, Founder and Managing Partner of Margin First Advisors, to discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can uncover enterprise-level cost savings without upfront consulting fees. Fred shares how his company helps SMBs improve margins through healthcare cost mitigation, IT optimization, tax incentives, AP automation,… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/f58g2g2hev6vh2sb/Fred_Lenz-86nc1.mp3) ## [423 | The Science Of Success: Why Confidence Comes After Action With Sara Connell](https://amberdelagarza.com/423-science-success-why-confidence-comes-after-action-sara-connell) _2026-05-11 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Is a fear of taking action holding you back? Sara Connell reveals the neuroscience behind why you freeze and how to take strategic action before you feel ready. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I sit down with 5x bestselling author and founder of Thought Leader Academy, Sara Connell, to flip everything you thought you knew about confidence on its head. Spoiler:… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_423_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## How Email Marketing Drives Business Growth Through Storytelling _2026-04-30 · Small Business Success Talk_ Email isn’t dead. It’s just being used wrong. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Growth at Constant Contact, to break down how email marketing—when powered by storytelling—becomes one of the most effective drivers of business growth. With decades of experience helping small businesses succeed, Dave shares why: Email is… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL2616849163.mp3?updated=1709955705) ## [422 | Holding The Line: When Growth Is Not The Most Strategic Move](https://amberdelagarza.com/422-holding-line-growth-not-mrost-strategic-move) _2026-04-27 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Business growth isn't always the right move! But how do you know when not to grow your business? In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'm breaking down how to honestly assess whether your business is in a growth season or a hold the line season, why holding the line is active work not passive maintenance, and the six specific activities that keep your business… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_422_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Ep. 410 | Cutting Through Red Tape: How SBA Advocacy Fights for Small Business](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-410-cutting-through-red-tape-how-sba-advocacy-fights-for-small-business/) _2026-04-24 · Small Biz Florida_ In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Geoff Grove and Michael Vallante from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Together, they break down how this critical office serves as the voice of small businesses within the federal government, especially when navigating complex regulations. Geoff and Michael share their unique backgrounds in… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/h7z9ibfdigzqqpxe/SBA_office_of_Advocacy_Segment_-an5zl.mp3) ## The Truth About Business Growth: Marketing & Sales Alignment _2026-04-17 · Small Business Success Talk_ What does it really take to grow a business today? In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with Amy Torres, owner of Director of Marketing, Inc., and Collin Bonsey of Southwestern Consulting to break down the real relationship between marketing and sales—and why most businesses get it wrong. This conversation goes beyond theory and dives into what actually drives results.… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL3968058305.mp3?updated=1776453951) ## [421 | The ADHD Brain In Business: Why You're Not Broken With Diann Wingert](https://amberdelagarza.com/421-adhd-brain-business-why-not-broken-diann-wingert) _2026-04-13 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ If you're an ADHD business owner who feels broken, you're not. In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I sit down with ADHD business coach Diann Wingert to discover why your wiring isn't the problem and how to build a business that works with your brain. What You'll Discover: ✔ Why The Fastest Growing Group Being Diagnosed With ADHD Might Surprise You ✔ The "Default Yes" And… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_421_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## E19: Burnout, Stress & Survival Mode: A Doctor’s Guide to Fixing Your Health Before It Breaks You _2026-04-09 · Small Business Success Talk_ If you’re building a business while running on stress, caffeine, and “I’ll deal with it later”… this episode is your wake-up call. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with Dr. Meredith Sweeney—a former bariatric surgeon turned longevity specialist—who walked away from traditional medicine to focus on proactive, data-driven health. Together, they unpack what most… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL1717402902.mp3?updated=1709955703) ## I Lost Everything… Here’s How I Got Unstuck and Rebuilt My Business _2026-03-30 · Small Business Success Talk_ What happens when your business, finances, and life all hit at once… and nothing is working anymore? In this raw and honest episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy pulls back the curtain on her personal journey through what she calls a “life storm”—from financial collapse and business setbacks to rebuilding with clarity, strategy, and a completely new mindset. This episode dives into: How… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL2160824293.mp3?updated=1709955701) ## [420 | The Real Reason I Created The Decision-Making Series](https://AmberDeLaGarza.com/420-real-reason-created-decision-making-series) _2026-03-30 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Making hard business decisions hits different when you're changing something that already works. In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'm pulling back the curtain on the real reason I created the three-part decision-making series. While I was teaching you the framework, I was using it myself on a major business decision. Tune in as I share what held me back, which tools… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_420_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Privacy-first AI-native browser (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/eUSKIhQSFfbq) _2026-03-30 · **Sponsored**_ No telemetry or ads — built on Ungoogled Chromium with a built-in AI sidebar and CLI. ## [419 | Decision-Making Part 3: You Have The Answer](https://amberdelagarza.com/419-decision-making-part-3-you-have-answer) _2026-03-23 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Trusting your gut in business decisions isn't reckless. It's your expertise distilled down to a feeling. So why do so many business owners keep overriding it? In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'm wrapping up the Decision-Making series with the one thing no framework can hand you, and it's been with you all along. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ Why The… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_419_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [418 | Decision-Making Part 2: Stop Delaying, Start Deciding](https://amberdelagarza.com/418-decision-making-part-2-stop-delaying-start-deciding) _2026-03-20 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ You know the decision you've been avoiding. The one that keeps showing up on your mental list week after week. Today we fix that. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm sharing practical, immediately usable tools for every decision-making delay pattern: fear-based delays, thinking traps, calibration problems, and avoidance patterns. Plus a framework I created to… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_418_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Ep. 409 | SBDC at UNF is Helping Small Businesses Unlock the Power of AI (No Tech Background Required)](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-409-unlocking-ai-for-small-businesses-no-tech-background-required/) _2026-03-17 · Small Biz Florida_ In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Debbie Magyar, Regional Director of the SBDC at the University of North Florida, to discuss the launch of the AI Small Business Institute. Designed to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise around artificial intelligence, the institute provides a structured, hands-on approach to understanding and implementing AI in real-world… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ce4qwi2wst3kp6ig/UNF_Segment-62li4.mp3) ## [417 | Decision-Making Part 1: The Hidden Cost Of Delaying](https://amberdelagarza.com/417-decision-making-part-1-hidden-cost-delaying) _2026-03-08 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ If you're drowning in unmade decisions, it's costing you more than time. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm breaking down what's really going on when you can't seem to pull the trigger and why "just decide already" has never helped anyone. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ The 4 Categories Of Decision Delay And Which One Is Likely Your Default ✔ Why Fear… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_417_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [416 | Exploring The Effect Of Emotional Intelligence On Your Success With Alex Resnick](https://amberdelagarza.com/416-encore-exploring-effect-emotional-intelligence-success-alex-resnick) _2026-03-02 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Can't hold a boundary without getting frustrated? You're not alone. One of the biggest struggles I see with business owners is setting and holding boundaries with their team, their clients, and their time. And here's what most people miss: you can't hold a boundary effectively if you can't manage your own emotions. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'm bringing… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_416_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [415 | Strategic Thinking: What's Getting In Your Way And How To Fix It](https://amberdelagarza.com/415-strategic-thinking-whats-getting-way-how-fix) _2026-02-23 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Do you ever feel like you're so buried in the day-to-day that you never get a chance to zoom out and think about where your business is going? In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm breaking down what's really getting in the way of strategic thinking - and it's probably not what you think. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ Why Thinking Time Feels Like… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_415_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [414 | Encore: Building A Company Culture Of High Performers Who Never Want To Leave With Yuri Elkaim](https://amberdelagarza.com/414-encore-building-company-culture-high-performers-never-want-leave-yuri-elkaim) _2026-02-16 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels with your team? Too much back and forth, unclear expectations, and you're wondering if it's them or if it's you? In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm bringing back my conversation with Yuri Elkaim because he gets real about being the source of his own team's chaos AND explains exactly what he did to fix it. What You'll… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_414_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [413 | The Love Letter Your Business Has Been Waiting To Send You](https://amberdelagarza.com/413-love-letter-business-been-waiting-send-you) _2026-02-09 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ What if your business could write you a love letter? This Valentine's week, I recorded something different. I stepped aside and gave your business a voice. If things have felt heavy lately... if the spark has faded... if you've been wondering whether it's all worth it... this episode is for you. In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , your business has something to say to… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_413_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [412 | You Don't Need More Discipline, You Need More Trust](https://amberdelagarza.com/412-you-dont-need-more-discipline-you-need-more-trust) _2026-02-02 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Every broken promise to yourself has a cost. If you've been struggling to follow through on your own commitments, the problem might not be what you think. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm sharing a different lens on why you can't seem to keep promises to yourself, and it has nothing to do with discipline, willpower, or finding the right planner. What You'll… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_412_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Ep. 408 | Robotics, AI & the Future of Florida Manufacturing with EZ Automation Systems (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-408-robotics-ai-the-future-of-florida-manufacturing-with-ez-automation-systems-recorded-at-florida-small-business-day-at-the-capitol-2026/) _2026-01-28 · Small Biz Florida_ In this forward-looking episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Ahmed Tawfik, CEO of EZ Automation Systems, to explore how robotics and AI are transforming the manufacturing landscape in Florida. Ahmed Tawfik shares his personal journey from engineer to entrepreneur and explains how his company goes beyond quality control creating smart feedback loops that help manufacturers… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3ezufmp8g3jck3fp/SBDC_Day_at_the_Capitol_2026_-EZ_Auto_Systems-mp3-bgjb1.mp3) ## [Ep. 407 | The Advocate You Didn’t Know You Needed: Public Adjusting for Small Business (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-407-the-advocate-you-didn-t-know-you-needed-public-adjusting-for-small-business-recorded-at-florida-small-business-day-at-the-capitol-2026/) _2026-01-28 · Small Biz Florida_ In this enlightening episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Matthew Andress, founder of Mockingbird Public Adjusting, about a lesser-known but critical service for business owners: public adjusting. Matthew shares his unique journey from art and IT to entrepreneurship, eventually launching his own firm to advocate for policyholders navigating complex insurance claims after… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/p7vxft75gd27f3vq/SBDC_Day_at_the_Capitol_2026_-Public_Adjuster-87nip.mp3) ## [Ep. 406 | Inside the SBA's Record-Breaking Year & Bold Plans for 2026 (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-406-inside-the-sbas-record-breaking-year-bold-plans-for-2026-recorded-at-florida-small-business-day-at-the-capitol-2026/) _2026-01-28 · Small Biz Florida_ In this powerful episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with two of the SBA’s top leaders: Tyler Teresa, Southeast Regional Administrator, and Jonel Hein, North Florida District Director. Together, they break down the SBA’s “Four Cs” Consulting, Credit, Contracting, and Crises, while spotlighting a historic achievement: over $1 billion in capital access delivered to small… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/teu7bt9wkrawgii5/SBDC_Day_at_the_Capitol_2026_-SBA_Tyler_and_Jonel-a2ab6.mp3) ## [411 | Encore: The Magic Connection Method With Brandon Fong](https://amberdelagarza.com/411-encore-magic-connection-method-brandon-fong) _2026-01-26 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ What if you're just one connection away from your biggest breakthrough? In this encore episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm bringing back one of my favorite interviews because the message is just as powerful now as when I first aired it. Brandon Fong, creator of the Magic Connection Method, shares the exact 5-step framework he used to land a dream opportunity as a college… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_411_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [410 | The Tech Stack Audit That Saves Time, Money & Sanity](https://amberdelagarza.com/410-tech-stack-audit-saves-time-money-sanity) _2026-01-19 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Is your tech stack creating chaos instead of efficiency? Maybe you've got tools you forgot you were paying for, duplicates doing the same job, or a backend so scattered you're not even sure where things live anymore. In this week's episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I'm walking you through exactly how you or a team member can audit your tech stack, what to capture for each tool,… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_410_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Special Episode | Merging Music and Marketing: How Krystle Martinez Created Luxe Harmony Music](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/special-episode-merging-music-and-marketing-how-krystle-martinez-created-luxe-harmony-music/) _2026-01-16 · Small Biz Florida_ In this special episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Krystle Martinez, a classically trained violinist and founder of Luxe Harmony Music. Martinez shares her compelling journey from public school music teacher to successful entrepreneur, detailing how her unexpected pivot into sales led to the launch of her own live music business. She explains how Luxe Harmony Music… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/83vkizqjusiex7ce/2025_GUEST_-Krystle_Martinez-6yd38.mp3) ## [409 | What Business Owners Want Most](https://www.AmberDeLaGarza.com/409-what-business-owners-want-most) _2026-01-12 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Wondering what's holding my business back? You're not alone. Every business owner I know is chasing the same things: clarity, focus, energy, freedom. But here's the truth most people don't want to hear. In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast , I'm sharing why these outcomes can't be chased and what you need to focus on instead. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ The 7… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_409_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## Stop Guessing: How Market Research, Curiosity & Better Questions Drive Better Business Decisions _2026-01-07 · Small Business Success Talk_ In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Chris Bonbright, founder of Curiosity Consulting, to unpack why curiosity—not assumptions—is the most underrated business advantage today. Chris shares hard-earned insights from decades in market research, explaining why most businesses confuse symptoms with real problems, how to tell the difference between KPIs… [Listen](https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MPNL3226309501.mp3?updated=1709955700) ## [408 | What Does Your Business Need?](https://amberdelagarza.com/408-what-does-your-business-need) _2026-01-05 · Small Business Straight Talk | Time Management, Productivity & Business Strategy_ Stuck on a decision you keep avoiding? Spinning on a problem you can't seem to solve? In this episode, I'm sharing one simple question that cuts through the overwhelm and helps you see clearly even when you're too close to the situation. What You'll Discover In This Episode: ✔ Why being "too close" to a situation keeps you stuck and how to create the separation you need ✔ The 6 personal filters… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/productivitystraighttalk/SBST_408_Master.mp3?dest-id=448155) ## [Ep. 405 | Ag-Tech or Bust: Solving Florida’s Farm Labor Crisis with AI](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-405-ag-tech-or-bust-solving-florida-s-farm-labor-crisis-with-ai/) _2025-12-19 · Small Biz Florida_ In this insightful episode recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) at the University of Florida. Dr. Angle shares a powerful message: Florida agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage that threatens its future, and the… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/b48kiyeg9vx848ns/2025_FREDA_-DrAngle-6szrm.mp3) ## [Ep. 404 | Freight Rail’s Hidden Power: Fueling Rural Florida’s Economy](https://smallbizflorida.podbean.com/e/ep-404-freight-rail-s-hidden-power-fueling-rural-florida-s-economy/) _2025-12-19 · Small Biz Florida_ Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Cassie Dull, Chief Commercial Officer of Pinsly Railroad Company. Cassie joins host Tom Kindred to pull back the curtain on the vital yet often overlooked role of freight rail in supporting small businesses and driving economic growth in rural Florida. She shares that… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5gf7zg2u3ajff2cp/2025_FREDA_-Pinsly_RailRoad-bw7eo.mp3)