The Bluebird Cafe: Crafting Community Through Songwriting in Nashville, Tennessee | Erika Nichols
Release Date: 07/24/2019
Armadillo Guitar: Making a Living with Custom Brass and Steel Guitar Parts in Austin, Texas | Michael Slotboom
Small Business War Stories
Michael Slotboom is doing things on his terms. He was on track to run the machine shop at the University of Texas, but he discovered he really wanted to make custom guitar parts. So he talked to his wife and they invested their savings into starting a specialized shop. Fifteen years later, his parts are sought the world over, and you can see them on stage when you see many of your favorite artists.
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Firefly Austin Studio: Making Music, Records, and Community in Austin, Texas | Erin O'Keefe
Small Business War Stories
Erin O'Keefe is the kind of woman that sees a vision and makes it happen. She learned about what makes a great recording studio...and then built one! What amazing artists is she recording these days? How do you even build a studio? What is the future of the music business? All of this and more in today's show. You can learn more about Firefly Austin Studio at <a href="https://www.fireflyaustinstudio.com/">https://www.fireflyaustinstudio.com/</a>
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Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts: Purveyors of Music, Records, and Culture in Austin, Texas | Grace Reyer
Small Business War Stories
Grace Reyer and Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts are at the epicenter of Austin music and culture. How did Grace and up with her dream job? What's the importance of self-care when managing a small business? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Big Henry's at <a href="https://bighenrysvinylandgifts.com/">https://bighenrysvinylandgifts.com//</a>
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Visit Clarksdale, Mississippi: Promoting Visitors and Business in the Birthplace of the Blues | Bubba O'Keefe
Small Business War Stories
Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins. What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads? Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds of people who succeed here? Bubba has seen it all...and he shares his stories on today's episode. You can learn more about Bubba and the Clarksdale, Mississippi at <a href="https://www.visitclarksdale.com">https://www.visitclarksdale.com/</a>
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Auberge Hostel: Starting a Hostel on the Blues Highway in Clarksdale, Mississippi | Robert Weinstein
Small Business War Stories
Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops. Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in New Orleans? What interesting stories live within the four walls of the Auberge? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Robert and the Auberge Hostel at <a href="https://aubergehostels.com/">https://aubergehostels.com/</a>
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Alligator Records Part 2 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer
Small Business War Stories
And...this week we wrap up the amazing story of Alligator Records. There's even more music in this episode, courtesy of Bruce and Alligator. We also cover the most harrowing and dramatic story we have heard on the podcast to date, involving a train derailment, tragedy, and redemption.
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Alligator Records Part 1 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer
Small Business War Stories
So many firsts in this episode! First time we have had music in the podcast. First time the conversation was so good and so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. How did Bruce get started as a record executive? Why did he give Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys a guitar? What does Bruce think about the future of the music business? All of this in this week's episode. Don't forget to tune in next week for Part 2 to hear about how Bruce helped save a band from dying in a derailed train. You can learn more about Bruce and his label and buy all the music in this episode at...
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Roadhouse Relics: Making Art with Neon in Austin, Texas | Todd Sanders
Small Business War Stories
Todd Sanders always knew he wanted to be an artist. He get into making neon signs, and he developed a clientele of businesses who sought him for commercial signs. But Todd wanted more...he wanted to make fine art with neon. He was committed. So committed that at one point he slept in a trailer in a field with no electricity. He gritted his way forward, to where today he has an iconic shop in South Austin and his art is displayed the world over. Todd shares his story in today's episode...including the story of the largest piece he has ever sold, a set of three luchador masks with the colors of...
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Timeless Texas Classics: Selling and Restoring Classic Cars and Hot Rods in La Grange, Texas | Lance Herrington
Small Business War Stories
Lance Herrington found himself in a tough place when Houston, in his words, collapsed in the 1980s, and he was out of a job. He picked himself up by the bootstraps, and together with his wife Pam, they started a business restoring and selling Ford Thunderbirds out of his garage. Fast forward to today, and the Herringtons have a successful classic car business in La Grange, Texas, on a prime piece of real estate on the highway that connects Austin and Houston. We cover Lance's amazing journey, classic cars in general, and hear about the time Lance flew to pick up a car with Billy Gibbons...
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Lucktone Woodshop: From a Desk job to Making Custom Furniture in Austin, Texas | Britton Byfield
Small Business War Stories
Britton was unsure he wanted to continue his job in digital media. And then came his biggest blessing in disguise: he was laid off. He started making cutting boards as a way to make money over the holidays, and that slowly evolved to him crafting beautiful custom wood furniture, cabinets, and more. How was Britton's family crucial to his transition? How did he handle the fear and anxiety that came with making a leap into the unknown? All of this and more in today's episode. You can find Britton's work at . We also reference two past episodes where we spoke with Michael Dalle Molle and...
info_outlineHow did a small cafe in a strip mall in Nashville become a mecca for songwriters?
What happened that changed the fortunes of the Bluebird from barely surviving to thriving? (hint: it was a major TV show).
Which major celebrities let their hair down and come hang out and trade songs here?
All of this and more in today's episode!