When joyous news becomes a tapestry of complex emotions, it shakes the very foundation of our expectations. My heart laid bare, I recount the announcement that was supposed to herald happiness but instead became a catalyst for a profound exploration of vulnerability and the human spirit. We navigate the stormy seas of loss, healing, and the quest for wholeness, illuminated by the imminent arrival of baby Paisley. The poignant decision to intertwine the legacy of my late father within my son's name becomes a testament to love, loss, and the serendipitous signs that sometimes guide us through ou ..read more

Join me as I share the comically painful on-air mishap that brings authenticity to our story, and how we're preparing for our own draft day style gender reveal - a personal milestone that interweaves with topics of fear, resistance, and the pursuit of the American dream. Resistance can be as subtle as a perfectionist's hesitation or a busy schedule but it's always there, shaping our decisions. In this episode, we peel back the layers of manufactured barriers that plague us all, from the entrepreneur to the dreamer. We explore how these emotional obstacles don't just stunt business growth – sh ..read more

We're rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet to give you a transparent tour of the first Loud Proud American event of 2024. My wife and I are living proof that American dreams are woven from the threads of hard work, passion, and a sprinkle of madness. As we recount the setup shenanigans at Mohegan Sun, the electric first sale, and the highs and lows of a tattoo convention buzzing with Ink Master royalty, you're invited to peek behind the curtains of a vendor's life. Amidst the chaos, we celebrate the heartbeat of our future patriot, sharing our journey towards parenthood with all its hop ..read more

As I look back on the early days of Loud Proud American, the decision to soak in the New England Tattoo Expo as visitors, not vendors, stands out as a pivotal moment in our brand's story. It's these reflections on growth through adversity that shape our latest chat, where we peel back the layers of making tough choices when life throws us curveballs. From confronting perfectionism to the anticipation of our next big event at Mohegan, join me as we explore the essence of timing, preparedness, and the courage to step up when it truly counts. "Brianna West's 'The Mountain Is You' stirred somethi ..read more

Crackling with the raw emotion of life's most pivotal moments, this episode is a tapestry woven from threads of joy, struggle, and revelation. When my wife and I decided to reveal our pregnancy on our podcast, before even turning to family, it was more than an announcement—it was an invitation to our community to embark on this profound journey with us. As we gear up for the 200th episode, the anticipation of fatherhood courses through every word, echoing the poignant loss of my own father and the financial tightrope we walk, all set against the backdrop of faith and destiny. Easter's tender ..read more

Embarking on life's journey often brings unexpected turns and heartfelt revelations, as beautifully captured in our latest podcast episode. My wife and I, open up about the raw complexities of navigating grief, the enchantment of spiritual connections, and the pure joy of new beginnings. A surprise road trip to Syracuse became a testament to the power of showing up for friends in mourning, and underscore our unbreakable bonds. The episode takes a tender turn, exploring the mysteries of the afterlife through personal stories of signs and dreams that suggest our loved ones never truly leave us ..read more

As we gather around for our 193rd heart-to-heart, prepare to embark on a journey that traverses the highs and lows of our collective experience. Celebrating our milestones together, we've witnessed a staggering growth spurt in our community—56% in streams, 43% in followers—proving that the threads of trust and communication in relationships are not just fabric for discussion, but the very tapestry of our connection. This week, we'll revisit those impactful conversations and the raw emotions that have resonated so profoundly with each of you. Stepping into the realm of American entrepreneurshi ..read more

When we peel back the layers of curated perfection on social media, we're left with the raw reality of our choices and the importance of owning them. In this episode we delve into the heart of accountability, exploring its role as a crucial element that shapes our lives. From discussing the transformative power it holds in personal growth and relationships to recounting historical lessons about the impacts of our actions, this week's conversation is an ode to the courage and honesty required to embrace both our achievements and our shortcomings. This week's journey through accountability does ..read more

Gratitude takes center stage post an invigorating Florida trip to the Strawberry Fest. Our discussion wanders through the surprising ways relationships fuel both our personal development and business ventures, and I extend a special shoutout to friends for blending the lines between leisure and business in the most seamless way possible. In this chat, I muse on the stark reminder to always be ready for the unexpected, woven with stories of solo jaunts to a Yankees Spring Training game that boost confidence and foster spontaneous connections, like my memorable encounter with Felix the bartende ..read more

Embarking on a venture steeped in ambition, Matt Perkins from Ledgeway Farm and I set our sights on the vibrant Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. This episode is a tale of seizing chances and embracing the grind that shapes our aspirations. As we gear up to engage with the festival's swath of nearly 600,000 attendees, we unpack the essence of growing beyond transactions to cultivating lasting relationships with potential patrons, all while sprinkling our narrative with a dash of humor through impressions ranging from the tranquil Bob Ross to the unmistakable Donald Trump. Strap in f ..read more