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The Turtlesmith Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Turtlesmith
The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Apr 22, 202628 min
Marketing vs Advertising & Understanding the Difference
What's the difference between marketing and advertising — and why does it matter for your small business? In this episode, John and Calvin are joined by Dylan, host of the Sense of Direction podcast and Turtle Smith's own marketing expert, to break down two of the most misunderstood concepts in business. They explore how small business owners can identify their ideal customers, why market research reports cost a fortune (and what to do instead), and how to stretch a modest budget — like that $3,500 tax refund — to both launch and promote a business. Plus, the conversation takes some fun detours into pool cue demographics, Japanese quit-for-hire services, DoorDash foot pics, and the very real business potential of cleaning up dog poop. Whether you're side-gigging or building an empire, this episode is packed with real talk on getting eyes on your business without breaking the bank.0:00 — Intro & Welcome 0:57 — Season 3, Episode 22 begins 2:13 — Today's topic: businesses you can start for $3,500 3:04 — Marketing vs. Advertising: What's the difference? 5:40 — Meet Dylan: Turtle Smith's marketing expert 6:24 — How Dylan builds market reports for small businesses 12:02 — Trusting the data: balancing reports vs. real-world knowledge 13:55 — Cheap & effective advertising strategies for new businesses 14:09 — Social media as a free advertising tool 21:41 — Using government vendor lists to build your business resume 26:54 — Final advice: Don't quit your day job on a $3,500 stake 27:02 — Dylan's tip: Free work builds your portfolio 27:44 — Outro & where to find Turtle Smith
- Apr 15, 202625 min
Should Your Small Business Accept Bitcoin? (Fees & Taxes Explained)
In this episode of the Turtle Smith podcast, hosts Scott Hess and John Barton dive into the evolving world of digital currency to ask a pivotal question: Do small businesses hold the key to mainstream cryptocurrency adoption? The team explores the surprising statistic that roughly 33% to 34% of small businesses are already accepting crypto. From wild stories of early Bitcoin pizza purchases to the modern mechanics of crypto debit cards, they break down how these transactions actually work at the point of sale. Small business owners will find essential insights as the hosts unpack the hidden processing fees of platforms like BitPay and navigate the complex IRS tax implications of treating cryptocurrency as property. Episode Timestamps 0:00 - Scott Hess and John Barton introduce the Turtle Smith podcast and their mission to help small business owners. 0:32 - Calvin introduces the episode's main topic regarding cryptocurrency acceptance. He notes that up to 34% of small businesses have already started accepting cryptocurrency. 1:45 - The hosts share personal anecdotes about early Bitcoin encounters and regret not buying in when prices were extremely low. They also discuss the famous transaction where thousands of Bitcoin were spent on Papa John's pizzas. 4:25 - The conversation shifts to how modern point-of-sale systems process cryptocurrency through auto-converting debit cards. 5:52 - The hosts break down processing fees from merchant services like BitPay. They discuss how these services often charge both the vendor and the customer. 7:20 - A crucial discussion on how the IRS views cryptocurrency as property, making its sale or conversion a taxable event subject to capital gains. 9:05 - The hosts explore direct wallet-to-wallet crypto transfers via QR codes. They mention the potential for zero-fee transactions but reiterate the tax complexities involved. 11:00 - The episode concludes with a debate on whether large corporations, rather than small businesses, will ultimately be the ones to drive mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.
- Apr 8, 202632 min
Business Identity Theft
Is your business being impersonated online right now — and you don't even know it? In this episode, Scott and John get into the increasingly common threat of business identity theft, where scammers steal your photos, clone your brand, and take money from your customers before you can do anything about it. John shares firsthand experience running JB Cases, a custom pool cue case company that has been repeatedly targeted by fraudsters on Facebook and Instagram. The crew breaks down the payment methods scammers rely on (and why platforms like Cash App and Venmo make it nearly impossible to recover your money), the tools small businesses can use to fight back — including Brand Verify, ZeroFox, and Brand Shield — and why Facebook's so-called "proactive impersonation protection" might be one of the biggest scams of all. If you sell anything online, this episode is a must-listen. Follow us turtlesmithok across all socials Visit us at www.turtlesmith.com
- Apr 1, 202631 min
American Heartland Collapse | Text Messages from God
In this episode of Turtle Smith, hosts Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into one of the most shocking business fraud cases in recent Oklahoma history: the spectacular collapse of the American Heartland Theme Park. What was supposed to be a $2.5 billion mega-resort in Venita, Oklahoma, turned out to be an elaborate scheme involving fake messages from God, a 91-year-old Pizza Hut franchise mogul, and developers with a history of failed theme park projects.Join us as we explore how sophisticated scams can fool even experienced business owners, discuss the importance of due diligence, and share practical advice on protecting yourself from fraud. We examine the red flags that everyone missed, the devastating consequences for local vendors and the community, and the critical lessons every small business owner needs to know.Key Topics:The rise and fall of American Heartland Theme ParkHow psychological manipulation works in business fraudEssential due diligence practices for partnerships and large projectsProtecting yourself from client insolvencyRecognizing and acting on red flags before it's too lateWhether you're a contractor, service provider, or entrepreneur, this episode offers invaluable insights into avoiding the pitfalls that can destroy your business.Follow us @turtlesmithok across all social media networks, and visit us at www.turtlesmith.comEpisode Timestamps0:00 - Introduction0:18 - American Heartland Theme Park Story5:36 - The Fraud Revealed14:06 - Due Diligence & Red Flags24:28 - Protecting Your Business
- Mar 25, 202636 min
Open Topics
Join hosts Scott Hess and Dylan Steele as they explore timely financial topics affecting young adults and small business owners. In this candid discussion featuring guest Calvin, the crew dives into the spending habits of 18-25 year olds during spring break (averaging $3,863/month!), shares wild travel stories from Vegas to Barcelona, and debates the real impact of the Jones Act waiver on gas prices.The conversation shifts to Oklahoma City hosting NCAA March Madness games and the estimated $10 million economic boost, sparking ideas for creative side hustles during major events. From Uber driving to impromptu tour guide services, learn how locals can capitalize on big crowds.Plus: Gas theft flashbacks from the early 2000s, New Orleans scams, and why tattooed shorts might be the ultimate Barcelona fashion statement.Topics Covered:Spring break spending habits & budget travel tipsJones Act waiver and oil price impactsMarch Madness economic benefits for host citiesSide hustle opportunities during major eventsWild travel stories and scam warnings⏱️ Episode Timestamps0:00Intro & What Happened to John?1:45Spring Break Spending: $3,863/Month for Gen Z?3:48Best Spring Break Destinations Then & Now9:47The $250/Month Rent Days & College Living Stories13:09Houston Spring Break Scam: $2,500 Nightclub Ripoff16:19Jones Act Waiver & Rising Oil Prices Explained18:53When Gas Hits $4+: Theft & Economic Impact24:21March Madness Coming to OKC: $10M Economic Boost25:50Side Hustles for Big Events: Uber, Water, Tour Guides31:47Wild Travel Stories: New Orleans & Barcelona35:07Outro & Where to Find Turtle Smith
- Mar 18, 202643 min
Starting a Business in 2026
Join Scott Hess and John Barton as they share hard-won lessons about entrepreneurship in today's world. John reflects on his year-long journey navigating commercial building permits and kitchen licensing, highlighting the costly lessons of impulsivity versus preparation. The hosts dive deep into their origin stories—from John's basement workshop in Germany to Scott's leap from corporate accounting—revealing how boom-and-bust upbringings shaped their risk tolerance as entrepreneurs.Key topics include: the importance of nailing your elevator pitch, becoming an industry expert before launching, finding competitive advantages in saturated markets, and why 2026 is actually the best time to start a business. Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, from screen printing innovations to the pitfalls of taking on investors too early.Whether you're in the early dreaming stage or ready to take the leap, this episode offers invaluable insights for aspiring business owners.🕐 Chapter Timestamps0:00 - Introduction & Kitchen Licensing Update1:14 - Learning from Mistakes: Preparation vs Impulsivity9:00 - Origin Story: Starting the Case Business17:27 - Risk Tolerance & Entrepreneurial Mindset24:00 - The Importance of Planning & Expert Knowledge37:00 - Competitive Advantage & Finding Your Niche
- Mar 11, 202633 min
Michael Jordan's Wild Ride
Join us as we explore Michael Jordan's fascinating journey beyond the basketball court - from his struggles as an NBA team owner to his unprecedented success with NASCAR racing. This 33-minute episode dives deep into the challenges elite performers face when transitioning to business ownership, featuring insights about hiring, delegation, and building organizations that outlast their founders.Key Topics:Why being the best in your field doesn't guarantee business successJordan's NASCAR team's historic three-win streak to start the seasonThe importance of hiring for your weaknessesMoving from "closer" to "architect" in your businessBuilding systems that survive without youThe reality distortion field and managing expectationsPerfect for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in the intersection of peak performance and business management.Episode Timestamps00:00 - Introduction & Episode Topic 00:17 - Michael Jordan's NASCAR Team Success 00:51 - Jordan's Struggles as NBA Team Owner 01:44 - Larry Brown on Jordan's Inner Circle 02:38 - The Best Player vs. Business Owner Dynamic 03:41 - The Breakfast Club & Jordan's Work Ethic 05:30 - Talent vs. Hard Work: The 10,000 Hour Rule 06:39 - Avoiding the Yes-Man Trap 08:35 - Hiring for Your Weaknesses 10:00 - The Entrepreneur as Bottleneck 11:56 - Becoming an Expert in Business, Not Just Your Craft 12:00 - Learning to Let Go & Stop Micromanaging 13:38 - Finding the Right Mastermind to Run Operations 16:21 - Jordan's NASCAR Philosophy: Positioning for Success 18:00 - You Don't Need to Be the Smartest Person in the Room 19:47 - Treating Your Team Like World-Class Athletes 22:30 - The Closer vs. The Architect Mindset 25:00 - Building an Institution vs. a Monument to Yourself 27:21 - The Perfect Example: A Cue Maker's Legacy 28:39 - Using Resources to Make Life Better 29:12 - Jordan's $180M Investment That Became $3B 32:39 - The Scale of Modern Numbers (Million vs. Billion vs. Trillion) 32:59 - Final Thoughts & Closing
- Mar 4, 202643 min
The Cost of Isolation in Business
Join Scott Hess (Tax & Business Consultant) and John Barton (Small Business Owner) as they explore why 27% of small businesses lack professional advisors and how isolation costs entrepreneurs time, money, and growth. Episode Highlights: [0:00] Introduction & episode overview [1:33] The cost of doing it all yourself - why isolation is hurting small businesses [3:43] Defining small business: What revenue range are we really talking about? [6:06] Why most businesses lack professional advisors (and how many actually do) [9:29] The fractional C-suite strategy: Getting CFO-level advice without the CFO salary [11:05] Why business owners remain optimistic despite complexity and challenges [14:46] The "empire is far away" principle: What actually affects your business vs. what doesn't [19:37] John's story: Losing a major deal and the lesson learned about contracts [23:35] Three pillars of your advisory board: Financial, Legal, and Growth Strategy [29:00] ROI on professional advice: How one good tip pays for an entire year [30:44] Thinking long-term: The $10K wardrobe that costs $1,250/year [31:17] How to know if your advisor is actually good [32:08] Actionable steps: The blind spot audit and finding your advisors [34:00] The accidental discovery: How John found Scott (and what makes a great advisor) [37:20] The abundance mentality in business networking [38:23] SBA SCORE program: Free help from retired executives [38:40] Budgeting for expertise: Treating professional fees as growth insurance [39:29] Recap: From optimism to action [41:20] Learning to delegate and let go [42:23] Closing quote and final thoughts Connect with us: All socials: @turtlesmithok Website: www.turtlesmith.com Key Takeaway: You can't do it all alone. Building a network of professional advisors (fractional CFO, legal counsel, growth strategist) isn't an expense—it's growth insurance. Start by identifying what keeps you up at night, then find one or two professionals to fill those gaps.
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About The Turtlesmith Podcast
The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.
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