Best The Friends of Merril Podcasts (2024)

1
Tips from the Top: Expert Franchise Insights 10:42

7h ago10:42

10:42

Why take advice from just anyone when you can hear it from the best in the biz? From the master of locations, Dinesh Goswami, to the mad genius behind the cult sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken, we’ve had so many master-level franchisors on the podcast this year, that I just had to share some of their hottest insights. So, I compiled the best advice an…

1
Between Pages and Personalities: Navigating Author/ ARC Reader Dynamics 38:34

6h ago38:34

38:34

Skye and Sarah discuss the delicate dynamic between authors and ARC readers. -Do authors have a right to request positive reviews only? -Do readers have an obligation to communicate with an author if they're unable to meet expected deadlines? Listen and learn! And the leave a review!By Quick & Dirty Romance

1
Tips from the Top: Franchising’s Best Advice 10:39

4d ago10:39

10:39

It seems like anyone and their mom is ready to give you advice about franchising. But why not take advice from franchising’s greatest who successfully scaled from the bottom to the top of the industry? This week, we’re mixing it up and compiling some of the best bits of advice and wisdom from franchising’s finest minds. I’ve hand-picked some of my …

1
Sharpen Your Healing Focus (Vanessa Blackstone, ACSW) 53:25

11d ago53:25

53:25

Are your goals setting yourself up for success? We create goals with the best intentions but often forget to acknowledge our personal needs and experiences along the way. On this episode of the Like Mind, Like Body podcast, Vanessa Blackstone, ACSW, joins host, Christie Uipi, LCSW to discuss personalizing, modifying, and focusing your healing goals…

1
Memory Lane OKC, The Off Season Begins & Recapping the Top 14 in the 2024 NBA Draft with Merrill 1:06:31

16d ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Nate is back after a long hiatus and is joined by OG, Merrill to chat about the history of OKC, the start of the off season and quickly recapping the first 14 picks of the 2024 NBA Draft. 45:00 is the start of the draft transition. Note: this is not an in depth draft pod (just a recap)

1
Quick & Dirty Romance With Friends: Lori Matthews 28:56

16d ago28:56

28:56

Romantic Suspense author Lori Matthews joins Sarah & Skye. Today, we discuss how we give our audience what they're thirsty for--while staying true to our own ethical boundaries. This convo goes deep, so get ready! Learn more about Lori on her website http://www.lorimatthewsbooks.com Sarah's new hockey romance: https://shorturl.at/R1nEB Skye's new h…

1
S9 E10: How Slick City Became an Adventure Park on Steroids 36:05

18d ago36:05

36:05

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Bron Launsby, the mastermind behind Slick City, a thriving franchise in the recreation center space. Learn the secrets behind their success, from innovative performance slides to exceptional customer experiences. Bron shares ambitious expansion plans, aiming to open up to 40 new locations by 2025, with a vision of…

1
S9 E9: 130 Units in 60 Months: Inside Soccer Stars’ Booming Franchise Model 44:02

25d ago44:02

44:02

Who can forget being shuffled around to soccer games in the back seat of mom’s minivan, eagerly waiting to find out what post-game snacks awaited you at the end of your little league matchup? What if there was a franchise that could capture that same magic? The Wolf talks to Adam Geisler and John Erlandson, the co-founders of Youth Athletes United,…

1
Quick & Dirty Romance With Friends: Allie Lasky 29:25

1M ago29:25

29:25

Queer and AuDHD author Allie Lasky joins Sarah & Skye to talk about expectations and ideals on relationships, in fiction and real life. Does romance set too high a bar for real life dynamics? How do we know when we're in our happy-ever-after phase? Let's dive into this fascinating topic! Learn more about Allie on her website and check out her new r…

1
S9 E8: Unpacking beem Light Sauna’s Formula to Success 43:19

1M ago43:19

43:19

How does the co-founder of beem Light Sauna think about scaling a thriving health and wellness franchise? The Wolf talks with Cynthia May, CEO and Co-Founder of beem Light Sauna, to discover her secret to scaling from 0 to 65 locations in a little over four years. Cynthia reveals her biggest challenges and successes in scaling a franchise brand, un…

1
S9 E7: How Checkers & Dave’s Hot Chicken Became a National Cult Obsession 32:21

1M ago32:21

32:21

Before it became a media franchise sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken was a pop-up shop in East Los Angeles creating a line as long as the eye could see. Now it has a national cult following with investors like Drake and Usher invested in the Nashville-style chicken chain. The Wolf sits down to chat with founding franchisees, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence…

1
The Risks and Realities of Overexertion (Farah Zerehi, LMFT) 1:01:05

1M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

How does overexertion impact recovery? What happens to our symptoms when we take on more work and responsibilities than our bodies can comfortably manage? Why do we push ourselves too hard and how do we heal when our environment gives us no other choice? On this episode of the Like Mind, Like Body podcast, special guest, Farah Zerehi, LMFT, joins C…

1
S9 E6: How Dinesh Goswami Acquired 125+ Pizza Huts, Popeye’s, and Taco Bells 42:39

2M ago42:39

42:39

Did you know when it comes to where your franchise is situated, there’s a breakfast side and a dinner side of the street? Dinesh Goswami certainly does, and with 125+ franchise locations open, including Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, , Taco Bell, and Checker’s, he knows why understanding your location is the #1 thing you can do to ensure the longevity of you…

1
S9 E5: Mobile Station Mogul: Gas Biz Guy on the Future of the Gas Industry 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

What’s the latest Twitter beef with an army of minions going to war for Gas Biz Guy? Is it a joke or is there legitimate beef behind the brawl? Join The Wolf as he sits down with viral Twitter personality Gas Biz Guy (aka Chris Hellgeth), a self-made entrepreneur who turned a ten-cent cigarette sale into a $100 million-a-year gas distribution busin…

1
S9 E4: The Visionary Leader Behind Pearle Vision's Eyewear Empire, with Bill Noble 43:50

2M ago43:50

43:50

How did a West Point flight school graduate become the founder of 79 optical stores across the US? Bill Noble, Pearle Vision’s largest multi-unit franchise owner, joins the pod to chat with the Wolf about his fascinating journey from sitting in the cockpit to building a nationwide franchise empire. From his early days at Harrah's Entertainment to h…

1
S9 E3: Deb Merrill’s Jimmy Johns Journey 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

Deb Merrill had no idea she was destined for franchise management until her brother-in-law asked if she’d be interested in running a Jimmy John’s. Realizing that stage management wasn’t the dream job she had hoped it would be, Deb left her theater career behind for the food service industry. In this candid conversation with the Wolf, Deb opens up a…

1
S9 E2: The King of Chicken and Beef: How Drew Gressett Opened 80+ Zaxby’s and Hat Creek Locations 36:56

2M ago36:56

36:56

Drew Gressett’s sitting down with the Wolf to discuss his personal journey in the restaurant industry—from his journey founding Hat Creek Burger Company to owning 60+ Zaxby’s. Hear Hat Creek Burger Company’s humble origin story—from starting as a food truck in 2008 to now having 26 brick-and-mortar locations, Drew shares the challenges and triumphs…

1
Quick & Dirty With Friends: R.L. Merrill, Author 31:59

3M ago31:59

31:59

Sarah & Skye welcome R.L. Merrill to the show to talk about music. R.L. ("Ro") writes contemporary, paranormal, and horror romance. Her newest book, UNDER HIS SHEETS, is a M/M light Romantic Suspense and part of the Accidentally Undercover series. In this episode, we dive deep into the impact music has on our writing. From soundtracks to inspo, all…

1
S9 E1: How Adam Saxton Turned McAlister’s Deli Into an Unstoppable Franchise Beast 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

You’ll never be able to operate 90+ franchises if your first franchise isn’t golden to begin with. Take it from Adam Saxton, operator of over 90+ McAlister’s Delis and co-CEO/Owner of the Saxton Group. With territories in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, Adam chats with the Wolf about his unusual philosophy for franchise expansion, including a unique o…

1
Self-Doubt is Out! (Stevon Lewis, LMFT) 58:58

3M ago58:58

58:58

Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to making progress in healing chronic symptoms. If you frequently question yourself, your decisions, and your body’s ability to recover, this episode is for you. Join Christie Uipi, LCSW, and special guest Stevon Lewis, LMFT, as they discuss how patterns of doubt arise and what you can do to grow confidence…

1
Quick & Dirty With Friends: Tonya Clark & Naomi Springthorp 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

Sarah & Skye welcome special guests to the pod! Tonya Clark & Naomi Springthorp are contemporary romance authors. They team up to photograph romance covers and host the LOVE & DEVOTION reader con. Partnerships. How do we collaborate for success in this industry? What are best practices for working with your bestie? AND what are some of the wild and…

1
Quick & Dirty or Slow and Teasing? The Slow Burn in Romance 29:15

3M ago29:15

29:15

(New logo!) Sarah & Skye discuss the SLOW BURN in romance. What even defines the slow burn? How slow is too slow? The Quick & Dirty ladies then go deeper on steamy scenes in their novels. (This episode isn't for kids!) *Special Announcement!!* Get ready for new episodes featuring guest romance authors! We're very excited about these new special sho…

1
S8 E10: Listener Mailbag: Negotiating Franchise Agreements, Back Office Solutions, & the Nashville Chicken Wars 17:13

4M ago17:13

17:13

Buckle up because the Wolf is taking another stab at your best Twitter questions in this solo question-and-answer pod. Should you be able to negotiate a franchise agreement? If so, how much of an agreement is negotiable, or are most franchise agreements a take-it-or-leave-it proposition? Then the Wolf uncovers his #1 recommendation for back-office …

1
S8 E9: How Lucas Mitchell Bought 20 Five Guy’s With Just $700k 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

The Wolf chats with french fry master, Lucas Mitchell, a successful entrepreneur and franchisee of Five Guys, to discuss the ins and outs of scaling a franchise business. From building strong relationships with franchisees to managing shiny object syndrome, Lucas shares valuable insights and lessons learned along his journey. How did Lucas go from …

1
Solving the Personality Puzzle (Callie Klebanoff, LCSW) 1:11:18

4M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

People pleasing, perfectionism, worrying, oh my! In this episode of the Like Mind, Like Body podcast, returning guest Callie Klebanoff, LCSW, is back to unpack the complex interplay between personality traits and pain. Prepare to explore how our experiences shape our habits, how our habits shape our personality traits, and most importantly, how to …

1
Naming Romance Characters 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

Skye & Sarah chat about choosing names for characters in our romance books. Why does Skye swoon for Quentin & Luke Paris? What name will Sarah never, ever name her hero? Listen now and find out! THANK YOU FOR LEAVING US A REVIEW, DEAR LISTENER!By Quick & Dirty Romance

1
S8 E8: Stretching the Limits: The Rise of StretchLab, with Steve Hitzemann 46:27

4M ago46:27

46:27

Loosen up. Literally. StretchLab is the Austin-based company helping others to increase performance and decrease joint pain. The Wolf chats with owner Steve Hitzemann about the fast-growing franchise’s rapid ascent to success. How did Steve dare to dream of a business model based on nothing more than stretching? Hear how Steve made the impossible p…

1
S8 E7: A Bundt Cake Franchise With ~$300k In Profits?! 15:31

4M ago15:31

15:31

The Wolf’s taking a break from his normal podcasting format to break down the latest in franchising news this week. Is Orange Theory’s acquisition by Self Esteem Brands a good thing or a sign of impending doom? With Orange Theory’s numbers diminishing since the initial insanity of their boom, could this spell disaster or is it a shrewd business mov…

1
S8 E5: Listener Mailbag: Your Hottest Franchising Questions Answered 32:41

5M ago32:41

32:41

The Wolf is breaking it down solo for this special Q&A session, where he’s answering your most burning questions about the world of franchising. What are the different strategies and considerations involved in owning one to two locations versus four to five locations? Are home services and non-brick-and-mortar franchises the place to hedge your fra…

1
"Hot Takes" on Healing (Bernice Hurtado, LCSW) 1:03:37

5M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Join Like Mind, Like Body host, Christie Uipi, LCSW, and special guest, Bernice Hurtado, LCSW, as they challenge common mindbody recovery tools and share practical, applicable strategies for seeing success with these techniques in the real world. Tune in to hear helpful “hot takes” on breath work, cultivating safety, meditation, success stories, jo…

1
S8 E4: The Hand and Stone Massage Franchise Who Has Built a $80m/year Empire 47:38

5M ago47:38

47:38

Eric Danver is the man who’s owned 100+ franchise locations over the course of his impressive career, including 58 Hand and Stone locations and 53 Philadelphia-based Papa John’s. He chats with the Wolf about his storied franchise career and the new challenges and opportunities the business presents in an ever-changing landscape. From his humble beg…

1
S8 E3: When a Fad Turns into Failure: How to Defeat the Franchise Hype Cycle, with Dru Capenito 47:39

5M ago47:39

47:39

Everyone wants to be the next Crumbl. But let’s face it—not every new and hot franchise can be the next Crumbl. Fads aren't always bad. But sometimes they can spell failure. So how can you protect yourself against becoming the next franchise fad failure? The Wolf chats with friend of the podcast and franchise consultant, Dru Carpenito about the fra…

1
S8 E2: AMA with The Wolf of Franchises 21:38

6M ago21:38

21:38

It’s time for the listeners to “Ask Me Anything”! When does a franchise restaurant become a viable investment? The answer may vary depending on factors such as the number of units and states involved, as well as an individual's risk appetite. Discover the key considerations that can help determine the right time to invest in a franchise. In this ep…

1
S8 E1: The Family Who Owns 78+ McDonald’s 1:04:38

6M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Join The Wolf as he sits down with John Valluzzo and his sons, Michael and Nick, to explore their reign of owning over 80+ McDonald's locations as they dive deep into the fascinating world of the iconic fast-food franchise. The Valluzzos share their family's deep-rooted connection to McDonald's and explain their incredible journey to owning such a …

1
A Necessary Climax? 3rd Act Breakups in Romance Novels 29:18

6M ago29:18

29:18

Sarah & Skye have a lot to say about the pros and cons of romance's 3rd act breakup. Readers have been trending away from this trope, but if done right, it's still a great climax for the story. But does it hold up IRL? The ladies discuss this and more. *Thank you for 10K downloads! We're giving away a prize as a thank you. Enter here to win, loyal …

1
A Quick & Dirty Holiday Message 11:41

7M ago11:41

11:41

Sarah & Skye drop in for a quick holiday message! We'll be back in 2024 with lots of new content. For now, relax, enjoy, and know we appreciate you! *Don't miss the title reveals of both Skye and Sarah's upcoming releases!* PREORDER BOTH: Click now and get SCORELESS at a 30% discount when you preorder! Don't miss the 3rd book in the Grant Siblings …

1
S7 E12: A Look Back at 2023's Greatest Moments 29:06

7M ago29:06

29:06

As 2023 draws to a close, we’re taking a step back to take a look at some of the best moments we’ve had here on Franchise Empires. Over the last two years, the Wolf has had the chance to interview some incredible franchise players, and we’ve compiled some of the best, most impactful moments over the course of his entire run for this year-end retros…

1
S7 E11: The Portfolio Franchise Company Dominating the Home Services Industry & Building a Home Services Empire 39:26

7M ago39:26

39:26

Meet Zach Beutler, the mastermind behind Horsepower Brands, a dynamo company dominating the home services franchise industry. With a portfolio of eight successful franchises, Zach shares his personal journey as a third-generation entrepreneur and the many valuable lessons he's learned along the way. How does Horsepower Brands combine incubation and…

1
S7 E10: From College to Business Partners - Lessons from 5 Territory Owner Group of Ace Handyman Service 45:50

7M ago45:50

45:50

In this week’s ep, the Wolf’s chatting with Dan Giacomazzi and Artem Lopatchenko, two business partners in one of America’s fastest-growing home services franchises, Ace Handyman Services, about the benefits of having a franchising partner. Discover Dan and Artem’s journey in expanding their franchise territory and learn about their favorite strate…

1
S7 E9: From Motherhood to Magnolia: The Inspiring Journey of Magen Bynum, Founder of Magnolia Soap 35:52

8M ago35:52

35:52

Magen Bynum, the founder of Magnolia Soap and Bath, drops by to chat with the Wolf about how she turned a plant-based alternative for sensitive skin into a franchise empire. Discover the inspiring story behind Magen’s creation of Magnolia Soap and how her daughter’s desire for a chemical-free solution led to her franchising journey. With plans to o…

1
In Our Hockey Romance Era 28:47

8M ago28:47

28:47

Sarah and Skye are in their hockey eras! Find out why ice is so damn hot! In this episode, the Quick & Dirty Romance ladies discuss why hockey romance is so popular. They share their fandoms--or not--in real life, too, and what inspired them to write their respective hockey love stories. Buy Snow, Ice, & Spice Preorder SCORELESS…

1
S7 E8: Rolling Suds’ Squeaky-Clean Saga Towards Franchise Success, with Aaron Harper 1:00:43

8M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Aaron Harper, the CEO of Rolling Suds, one of the fastest-growing power-washing franchises in the country. Aaron reveals how Rolling Suds scaled to 59 units in 16 states since February of this year, and explains the game-changing strategies and systems that contributed to Rolling Suds’ overwhelming success. From t…

1
Treating the Brain and the Body (Charlie Merrill, MSPT) 56:17

8M ago56:17

56:17

Charlie Merrill, MSPT, helps clients heal by combining traditional, hands-on, manual physical therapy with the mindbody, biopsychosocial approach. Tune in to hear what he’s learned from years of treating a wide variety of patients, including some of the best athletes in the world, and how these learnings can help you on your journey.…

1
S7 E7: Creating a Differentiated Franchise - Carmelo Marsala, Founder of Spray-Net 43:43

8M ago43:43

43:43

Meet the first person to mass-market a factory-finished painting solution at the convenience of your home. Join The Wolf as he sits down with Carmelo Marsala, Founder and CEO of Spray-Net, to discuss the ins and outs of franchising and scaling a business. Carmelo shares his experiences and insights on the challenges of scaling a territory model, on…

1
S7 E6: From Delivery Boy To Domino’s Franchisee (And Mahana Fresh Founder) - Dave Wood’s Journey 45:19

8M ago45:19

45:19

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Dave Wood, the mastermind behind Mahana Fresh, a healthy bowl concept that’s taken the restaurant industry by storm. Discover the challenges and triumphs of opening three restaurants during the midst of a global pandemic, and how Mahana Fresh has adapted and thrived in the face of adversity. Dave discusses his jou…

1
S7 E5: Franchising’s Hottest Takes, with Erik van Horn of “The Franchise Secrets Podcast” 53:37

9M ago53:37

53:37

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Erik van Horn, host of "The Franchise Secrets Podcast," for a special crossover episode. In this lively conversation, they dish out some hot takes on the franchise industry and discuss the importance of transparency and financial literacy for franchisees. From the value of item 19s to the power of content marketin…

1
Hard Limits: Tropes Edition 27:45

9M ago27:45

27:45

We're not here to yuck your yum! But today Sarah & Skye discuss their hard limits on tropes they'll write. With a lot of love to all the niches of romance, there are some out there that just aren't for us. So listen, laugh, and let us know where you high five-and where you hard disagree! Check out Skye's new release, JUST YOUR TYPE. Preorder Sarah'…

1
S7 E4: How Hoppin’ Became America’s First Self-Serve Bar Franchise, with Rich Moyer 31:50

9M ago31:50

31:50

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Rich Moyer, the mastermind behind Hoppin’ Franchise Group, to discuss Hoppin’s unique self-serve taproom concept that aims to revolutionize the bar and restaurant industry. Discover how Hoppin’ eliminates the headaches typically associated with owning a bar to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for custom…

1
S7 E3: The Only Pharmaceutical Franchise— With Multi-Unit Owner, Jim Kodman 31:02

9M ago31:02

31:02

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Jim Kodman, a pharmacist and franchise owner of Vital Care, an acute and chronic infusion service franchise, as he reveals how Vital Care became the fastest-growing infusion franchise company in the nation, with over 60+ locations. Jim shares his journey of becoming a franchise owner and unpacks exactly how Vital …

1
10 of the Most Fascinating Franchise Facts 21:58

9M ago21:58

21:58

Join The Wolf as he dives into the fascinating world of franchising with a data-driven episode. In this episode, The Wolf shares ten intriguing statistics about the franchise industry, providing valuable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and established franchise owners alike. He’s breaking down the vital stats any aspiring or current franch…

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