Join The Chaos

Written by: Gabe and Melissa
  • Summary

  • Hosted by Gabe Hagen (Brick Road Coffee, Prism Coffee Labs) and Melissa Harlan (Drink Me! Tea Room), this is the podcast for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone who's ever questioned why they left the stability of a 9-to-5 for the absolute mayhem of running a business. We’re talking about the wild realities of small business ownership, the corporate nightmares we secretly (but only kind of) miss, and the capitalist chaos happening in real-time. Expect unfiltered hot takes, unhinged business headlines, and the occasional existential crisis over why we did this to ourselves. Join the Chaos!
    Gabe and Melissa
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Episodes
  • The Many Hats of Small Business Owners
    Feb 18 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of 'Join the Chaos', hosts Gabe and Melissa dive into the chaotic world of entrepreneurship, discussing the myriad of roles they play as small business owners. They explore the unexpected responsibilities that come with running a business, particularly in the food service industry, and the challenges of being the face of their brands. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries, navigating community expectations, and finding support in the entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Gabe discusses the importance of vulnerability in business relationships, the challenges of managing operations, and the impact of corporate layoffs on employee morale. The discussion also touches on work-life balance, the right to disconnect, and the current economic climate, including tariffs and their effects on small businesses. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the chaotic nature of running a business and the need for transparency and support among entrepreneurs.


    Keywords

    entrepreneurship, small business, challenges, community, responsibilities, business owner, food service, personal development, boundaries, support, business relationships, vulnerability, corporate layoffs, work-life balance, economic turmoil, profitability, small business, B corporations, technology in business, chaos in business

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    49 mins
  • S1 E1: Nostalgia for Cubicles
    Feb 11 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Gabe and Melissa dive into the chaotic world of small business ownership, contrasting it with their past corporate experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating new technologies, the longing for stability, and the absurdities of corporate life. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they explore unhinged business headlines, showcasing their candid opinions on current events and the corporate landscape.


    Takeaways

    • Small business ownership is filled with chaos and unpredictability.
    • Navigating Google Ads and Analytics can feel like learning a new language.
    • The longing for a dedicated workspace is a common sentiment among small business owners.
    • Passive-aggressive communication is a hallmark of corporate life.
    • The transition from corporate to small business requires unlearning many corporate norms.
    • The absurdity of corporate culture often leads to humorous reflections.
    • The current state of corporate America is filled with contradictions and chaos.
    • TikTok's defiance against Google showcases the shifting power dynamics in tech.
    • The conversation about corporate life often leads to nostalgia, but the reality is different.
    • Chaos can be embraced as a lifestyle rather than a problem.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to the Chaos

    04:51 The Corporate Dream vs. Small Business Reality

    16:09 Navigating the Challenges of Small Business Ownership

    20:53 Rapid Fire Chaos: Unhinged Business Headlines


    *AI Wrote the transcripts - any mistakes are intentional chaos from us with love <3

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    39 mins

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