The Bounce Rate Podcast | IndoorMedia
by IndoorMedia
Good intentions don’t build sustainable businesses. The Bounce Rate is for local owners who are done with surface-level advice. We dig deep into leadership, efficiency, philosophy, and the mental discipline of ownership—using marketing as the proving ground.
Episodes
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Car Guy Check
Are you handy enough to handle your own car repairs, or is it better to leave the dirty work to the professionals? This week on The Bounce Rate, we're putting our automotive knowledge to the test, debating DIY maintenance versus professional repairs, and exploring what makes customers trust their...
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Hot Honey, High Prices, and Bad Decisions
Fast food is changing, but are customers actually getting a better experience? From skyrocketing prices and shrinking portions to ordering kiosks, secret menus, and celebrity collaborations, we're breaking down 13 fast-food trends that have customers talking. This week on The Bounce Rate, we…
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Pizza Stunts, Price Wars & Small Business Success
Are fast-food restaurants getting too expensive, or are consumers simply ordering the wrong things? This week on The Bounce Rate, we're talking about the disappearing price gap between fast food and casual dining, how an unconventional Pizza Hut publicity stunt got people talking, and what small...
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Do You Really Need a Mentor?
Running a local business means figuring a lot out the hard way, but a good mentor can help you skip some of the expensive lessons. This week on The Bounce Rate, the crew trades stories about paid consultants, corporate mentor programs, a gold-medal a cappella coach, and the "money, title,...
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What 1,000 Songs Can Teach a Business Owner
What can writing 1,000 songs teach you about running a local business? The Bounce Rate looks at one creator's remarkable songwriting challenge and what it reveals about consistency, creativity, and getting better through repetition. From building habits to embracing gradual change, we explore why...
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Curds of Wisdom
Cheese isn't just delicious—it might be one of the most powerful upsells in the restaurant business. The crew digs into cheese pulls, $12 queso, add-ons, pricing psychology, and why customers will happily spend more when the value feels right. Plus, we tackle some surprisingly wild cheese...
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Where Does Your Energy Come From?
Staying motivated is easy for a day—the real challenge is finding the energy to keep showing up. We break down our routines, boundaries, food choices, mental resets, and surprisingly simple tricks they use to stay productive without completely burning themselves out. From Pomodoro timers and cold...
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Willpower to Habit
Is willpower something you have—or something you use until you no longer need it? We dig into discipline, motivation, focus, and how difficult behaviors eventually become habits that can drive a business forward. Along the way, they tackle Finnish grit, all-night work sessions, Green Lantern…
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Worth the Splurge
What makes someone happily spend more—even when they’re watching every other dollar? This week on The Bounce Rate, we break down the psychology of splurging, from travel and tech to great food, and why some purchases feel worth making sacrifices for. For local businesses, there’s a big lesson…
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Early Bird or Latecomer?
The early bird gets the worm—but sometimes the second mouse gets the cheese. In this episode, we dig into when being first gives businesses an advantage, when waiting and watching is the smarter move, and how early adopters can help turn a new idea into real momentum. From new technology and...
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How to Earn Back Your Time
There never seems to be enough time when you’re running a business—but what if saving time isn’t really the goal? In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we talk shortcuts, outsourcing, prioritization, and the surprising difference between buying time and actually earning it back. Plus, we ask the...
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You Can't Learn This in Real Estate School w/ Jean Morency
Real estate school can teach you how to complete a transaction. But does it teach you how to build a real estate business? On this episode of The Bounce Rate, we sit down with Jean Morency of Faircroft Homes to talk about what separates successful real estate professionals from everyone else.…
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Insurance, Information, and Overload
Modern life promises convenience, yet somehow leaves us juggling more information, more decisions, and more uncertainty than ever. In this episode, we use insurance, technology, information overload, and one very stressful car accident to explore why complicated systems feel so intimidating (and...
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The Business Reset Button
Why is it so easy to dream big before launching a business...and so difficult once you are buried in customers, expenses, routines, and expectations? In this episode of The Bounce Rate, the team presses the hypothetical reset button: What would you do if you had to rebuild your business from...
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First Jobs, Lasting Lessons
Everybody remembers their first job—even if they’d rather forget the uniform, the customers, or the chaos behind the counter. The hosts revisit their early days at Sonic, Little Caesars, and a two-screen movie theater to uncover the lessons that stuck: doing the work even when you’re scared,...
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The Laws of Experience AKA Street Smarts
As anyone who has been in charge of keeping a local business going knows, there are just certain things that you can't learn in a classroom. A hard knock might not feel great, but it trains you in a way reading a book never could. Today we're talking about the laws of learning from experience and...
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Small Promises = Big Trust
Trust is one of the most important forces in local business. It affects who gets the meeting, who gets the referral, who earns the sale, and who customers come back to when they have options. In this episode, we break down how trust is actually built through three simple ideas: making clear...
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Biggest Risks (Biggest Rewards)
Risk is part of every business decision, but not every risk is worth taking. In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we talk about the difference between gambling, guessing, and making a calculated move. From lottery tickets and casino logic to entrepreneurship, career changes, and betting on…
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Keeping The Spark After The Launch
The grand opening is exciting. The ribbon is cut, the room is full, the potential feels endless, and everything still has that fresh-start glow. But what happens after the confetti is swept away and the day-to-day reality sets in? In this episode, we talk about how businesses, careers, hobbies…
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Stop Avoiding the Thing
You know that thing you’ve been avoiding? The task, conversation, chore, decision, or next step that keeps hanging around in the back of your mind? In this episode, we dig into why we put off the things that could actually help us grow. From expired food containers and tax dread to hard family...
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Business Lessons from Stand-Up Comedy
Today we dig into one of most dreaded experiences: bombing on stage. From awkward silence and flop sweat to bad reviews, slow sales, and failed marketing ideas, we explore how recovering from a bad set can teach business owners how to listen, adjust, and keep going. Whether you’re holding a...
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Is Your Business Giving Green Flag Energy?
Choosing a business is a lot like choosing a partner: first impressions matter, red flags are real, and the right match is about more than just looking good online. In this episode, we compare dating profiles to local business profiles and break down what makes people swipe right or walk away…
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The 5 Laws of Learning (and Business Growth)
This week on The Bounce Rate, we head back to the classroom to talk about what learning can teach us about customer experience. From gold stars and dodgeball dominance to AI, Chick-fil-A, and the emotional trauma of a $17 to-go container, the crew breaks down the five laws of learning and how…
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The Theme Park Theory of Local Business Growth
Theme parks are built around deliberate experiences. The sights, sounds, pathways, employee interactions, smells, signage, and even the waiting areas are all part of a larger emotional journey. In this episode, we look at how that same thinking applies to local businesses. From Disney and Six…
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A Pep Talk for Local Business Owners
Local business owners are not short on confidence. They have to believe they can sign the lease, open the doors, make payroll, deal with taxes, survive bad advice, calm angry customers, and still wake up thinking tomorrow might be the day it all clicks. In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we’re...
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Dish on Deep Dish: Authenticity in your Products
What makes something “authentic”? Is it tradition, taste, history, brand identity, or just the version people refuse to let go of? In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we start with deep dish pizza and end up somewhere much bigger: New Coke, Texas barbecue, Warby Parker, Netflix, Chipotle, A24…
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Living in the (right freakin') Now!
What if there’s no Back to the Future DeLorean coming to fix your mistakes (or fast-forward you to success?) In this episode, we dive into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes uncomfortable truth about how we relate to time. Are you reflecting on the past… or just cringing at it? Are you planning...
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Fake It, Then Fine‑Tune: Modeling Best Practices
Strike a pose… but not for the runway. This episode of The Bounce Rate takes a sharp, practical look at “modeling” Not fashion, but the way you model your processes, habits, and business decisions. From our outfit review to breaking down real-world execution, the conversation lands on a simple...
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Return on the Investment (A Star Wars Introspective)
This episode uses Return of the Jedi as a springboard to explore how plans often go wrong and why recovery matters more than flawless execution. We touch on Luke's growth, the controversial Ewoks and Yub Nub soundtrack, big reveals from the saga, and parallels to parenting and running a small...
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The Employees Strike Back
In this episode we use The Empire Strikes Back to explore how pressure, setbacks, and slow progress reveal true character and leadership. We draw practical lessons about performing under stress, persistence, and the payoff of steady work. Jedi Knights are valued for how they act when things go...
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A Newer Hope (A Star Wars Introspective)
Join us for part 1 of our 3 part saga exploring the life and professional lessons we can gather from the original Star Wars films. In Episode One (actually 4) we talk through how Luke Skywalker (and most of us) turn manageable problems into galaxy-sized crises when fear takes the wheel. We also...
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What Lurks Beneath Success?
In this episode we explore how early success and confidence can quietly replace curiosity, creating an "expert beginner" or local maximum where growth stalls. From our natural knacks that get in the way to COVID-era reinvention, we breakdown how comfort and routine can become a hidden plateau.…
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Spice Things Up
In this episode we explore why people avoid bold moves and how to start doing spicier things in life and business. We talk our go-to practical steps (finding unexpected inspiration, generating seven intentionally stupid ideas, involve supportive people.) We hope listeners will embrace big moves...
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The Long Game: Marketing When Customers Return Every Few Years
In this episode of The Bounce Rate we explore how businesses with long purchase cycles (your realtors, your urgent care clinics, your mattress sellers.) We discuss why it's important to stay visible when customers only buy every few years. From displaying neighborhood expertise, unique signage…
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The Chemistry of Local Business
In this episode, we "expertly" use a chemistry metaphor to break down the elements of local business. Compounds such as compliance, production, location, distribution, advertising, and customer relationships make crucial (and sometimes volatile) reactions. No single element guarantees success.
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Valentine's Day: Local Love and Loyalty
This episode of The Bounce Rate dives into Valentine's Day: the commercialization, the loyalty, and the relationships with local business. Is there a more romantic medium than email and SMS marketing? We'll find out!
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Superbowl Similes
In this special Superbowl episode, football becomes a metaphor for local business, (because of course it does.) Our hosts argue that systems and teamwork can matter more than raw talent, whether you’re running a company or trying not to implode in the fourth quarter. Franchises are discussed as a...
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The Sweet Smell of...Failure
Failure gets a bad rap. In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we look at failure from a few different angles: as a teacher, as a measuring stick, and as an unavoidable part of doing literally anything worthwhile. Sometimes a mistake is the thing that makes progress finally visible. Sometimes it’s...
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Local Gym Marketing Workout
Eric Shafer hosts today with James and Roger as they break down gym marketing in the new year, exploring what actually gets people to join and stay: convenience (parking and hours), cleanliness, class vs. facility models, and the power of relationships and retention. What offers actually work?…
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Bigger Swings: Marketing Resolutions for 2026
Let's kick off 2026 with a sincere Batman apology, some resolutions that are definitely happening, and some solid guidance for local businesses in the coming year. Take bigger risks with creative and ad spend, listen to and learn from customers (including speaking to non-English audiences), and…
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Catwoman to Claus: Holiday Movie Lessons for Small Business
In this most festive episode, we riff on favorite holiday films (Batman Returns, Miracle on 34th Street, The Green Knight, and Christmas Vacation) drawing parallels with local marketing and small business ownership. We explore themes of transformation, belief in marketing, taking responsibility…
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Class Clout: Transforming Locals to Students
The Bounce Rate is in session. This episode explores how local, class-based businesses (yoga, cooking, pottery, etc.) can grow or respond to challenges. We discuss fundamentals like websites, Google schema, local listings, customer follow-up, and review collection to recover lost revenue. We also...
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Traditions Sell: Thanksgiving Marketing & Local Business Rituals
It’s Thanksgiving 2025 and this episode explores how traditions (from turduckens and seasonal Oreos to office parties and realtor Santa photo days) create powerful marketing opportunities for local and national brands. We discuss family holiday rituals, business traditions that persist or end...
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Who Wins in November? Seasonal Shifts for Local Businesses
In this episode we review November traditions and discuss how seasonal changes affect local businesses: which slow down (like real estate and some home services) and which pick up (like restaurants, dry cleaners, and car washes depending on region). Learn why November–December is a good time to...
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Halloween 2025: Local Marketing Horrors
This Halloween-themed episode uses classic horror movies to explain common marketing pitfalls: fake impressions that act like body snatchers, scattered efforts that peck you to death like Hitchcock’s birds, and contagious negative reviews that spread like the demon smile. Key takeaways: be...
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Save Your Business: What Not to Cut When Cash Is Tight
In this episode of The Bounce Rate, the hosts discuss the pressures local business owners face and focus on smart ways to save money without damaging the long-term health of the company. They emphasize the importance of keeping reliable bookkeeping, valuing staff, and maintaining a clear vision...
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The Bounce Rate: What Makes Lawyer Marketing Stick
Today our hosts discuss the quirks of attorney marketing — from high-stakes PPC and relentless billboards to referrals and the hidden power of local visibility. They explain why law firms rely on familiarity, branding, and being easily found online. The episode also covers the role of personality...
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Pickle Mania: Chips, Slushes, and Strategic Partnerships
On this episode our hosts taste a limited-edition bread-and-butter pickle potato chip and riff on pickles in pop culture, from Pickle Rick to BTS promotions. They debate flavor preferences and try out the snack live. The conversation then pivots to marketing and strategic partnerships — Sonic's...
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When Jokes Sell: Mastering Humor in Advertising
This episode of The Bound Train explores the role of humor in marketing, from viral hits like Squatty Potty to polarizing campaigns like Geico and Chick-fil-A’s cows. The hosts discuss how local businesses use irreverence, the importance of knowing your audience and brand identity, and offer...
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Cracker Barrel’s Risky Rebrand
Today our hosts discuss a topic hotter than chicken and dumplings, Cracker Barrel’s recent logo change. Does changing tradition hurt or help a brand. We compare examples like Potbelly, local realtor ads, and nostalgic roadside chains to explore how personality, consistency, and clear messaging...
About this show
Good intentions don’t build sustainable businesses. The Bounce Rate is for local owners who are done with surface-level advice. We dig deep into leadership, efficiency, philosophy, and the mental discipline of ownership—using marketing as the proving ground.
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IndoorMedia
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