<![CDATA[The Trading Post]]> https://linktr.ee/traderstu Welcome to, "The Trading Post": Barter Business Insights, the podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of B2B trading and networking.


This podcast is organized by seasons.

Season 1: Trade Education & Member Spotlights

Season 2: Networking that nets business

Season 3: Using A Podcast For Marketing (my experience with it)


Disclaimer:

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.



“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.

This original jingle is a Western/Cowboy-inspired piece, reflecting Trader Stu’s signature style—always rocking the cowboy hat. Set in the key of D minor, the track blends rodeo whistles with a country-like guitar riff.

The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com


RSSVERIFY

]]> RSS.com 2026.1001.162715 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:45:11 GMT en df13ca78-71dd-54e6-9645-fa4fc9445c75 https://media.rss.com/the-trading-post/podcast_cover.jpg The Trading Post https://linktr.ee/traderstu yes Support this Podcast © 2026 The Trading Post Trader Stu Trader Stu true episodic podcast <![CDATA[I Grew Microgreens For Money So You Don’t Have To]]> We lay out a simple path to turn a small garden into a resilience engine for home and business, using low-input systems and smart barter to protect cash flow. Global shocks set the stage, but the focus stays local with practical steps that work without constant power or spend.

• just-in-time risks and why buffers matter
• choosing low-input methods like no-till and wicking beds
• what to grow for profit and trade beyond microgreens
• edible landscaping for yield and curb appeal
• using barter networks to swap goods for services
• realistic costs, family value, and tax cautions
• small, repeatable steps to start and scale

Whatever you do out there, be good or be good at it


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201626 Buzzsprout-18431112 689 full 5 5 2 2 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Small Business In A Shifting World]]> We track how global turbulence flows straight to main street and turn it into a clear playbook for small businesses. From supply chain fragility to AI leverage and selective consumer demand, we map risks, spot signals, and share steps to move faster with less stress.

• geoeconomic confrontation shaping rules and routes
• small business optimism vs hazy outlook
• AI adoption as a speed and scale lever
• retail rebound and value-driven consumers
• data center growth straining energy and minerals
• cloud volatility and outage resilience
• emerging regions as new partners and markets
• five-step strategy on pricing, supply, AI, digital, and expansion
• real-world outage example and cyber hygiene
• personal reflections on pace, energy, and focus

Change your passwords, update things, all the important stuff


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201621 Buzzsprout-18718189 597 full 4 4 4 4 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Ministry Of Prepping?]]> We explore how a messy backyard garden, township rules, and a few hard winters pushed us from lone-wolf prepping toward a service-first vision: a practical “ministry of prepping” that blends safety, community, and real skills. Strawberries, wood stoves, and one pastor’s nudge turn setbacks into a plan to help families and veterans build something resilient together.

• shifting from SEO to podcasting as a business tool
• failures and small wins in backyard gardening
• wildlife pressure and local zoning blocking self-reliance
• the true cost and timeline of preparedness
• parenting outdoors and making time count
• why community beats bunker thinking
• a pastor’s prompt toward service and leadership
• early vision for a “ministry of prepping”
• concepts for tiny cabins, greenhouse systems, and a village layout
• funding, constraints, and next-step experiments


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201623 Buzzsprout-18596475 1377 full 4 4 3 3 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[From War Zones to Workflows: Real Business Resilience Strategies for 2026]]> We launch season four by reframing prepping as a competitive edge for entrepreneurs and B2B operators. Real stories from Ukraine, Lebanon and Afghanistan reveal how continuity plans, barter networks and remote-first systems turn crises into growth.

• sponsors and NPC Game tie-in with Get Prepped
• prepping as a business strategy, not fear
• conflict zone case studies with measurable growth
• logistics pivots and drone delivery lessons
• solar-backed reliability as a sellable product
• barter networks and trade credits for liquidity
• continuity planning, cross-training and supplier redundancy
• remote-first operations and audit trails for trust
• quarterly risk drills and simple resilient offers
• leadership that communicates, measures and rewards reliability

Check out Holly Dazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival grounds


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201627 Buzzsprout-18380914 808 full 4 4 1 1 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Podcast Flywheels For Real Business Growth]]> We share a simple system to turn a focused podcast into a self-sustaining flywheel for trust, leads, and reach. From choosing one core job to repurposing, micro CTAs, and meaningful metrics, we lay out a path that avoids burnout and builds momentum.

• choosing one clear purpose for the show
• structuring episodes around a single listener problem
• guiding action with light, helpful CTAs
• repurposing each episode into clips, posts and email
• using search-driven, benefit-led titles
• building an email + episode + offer loop
• showing up consistently on one or two channels
• growing community with questions and shout-outs
• tracking retention, CTA clicks and signups over downloads

MI Gardener:

MIgardener Grow Guides

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201620 Buzzsprout-18746720 1158 full 3 3 16 16 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[How To Turn A Podcast Into Leads, Trust, And Real Reach]]> We break down how to use a podcast as a focused marketing tool by picking one goal, delivering value first, and guiding listeners with clear, helpful CTAs. Along the way, we talk audio quality, repurposing, titles that win search, and building a simple flywheel from episode to offer.

• choosing one primary outcome for your show
• structuring value-first episodes around specific problems
• using micro CTAs that help without sounding salesy
• repurposing episodes into clips, posts, and newsletters
• deciding when guests help or hurt your format
• building a simple podcast-to-email-to-offer ecosystem
• writing searchable, benefit-driven episode titles
• promoting consistently across platforms without burnout
• engaging listeners with questions, polls, and stories
• measuring downloads, retention, and CTA conversions
• setting a sustainable publishing cadence

Be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201622 Buzzsprout-18630655 544 full 3 3 15 15 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[AI Can Clone Your Voice; It Can’t Shake A Hand]]> We examine how deepfakes blur reality, why detectors can’t guarantee truth, and what proof still matters when anyone can clone a voice. Then we map a practical winter reset: less automation, more in‑person trust, and using podcasting as a bridge to real‑world networks.

• deepfake tools outpacing detection
• proof of life through liveness and gestures
• winter as a reset for honest metrics
• pitfalls of AI‑written outreach at scale
• call first, then email for higher response
• local networking and trading associations
• podcasting as modern radio and trust engine
• good‑enough production over perfection


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201625 Buzzsprout-18461814 1037 full 3 3 14 14 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Oh SNAP! Comfort Breeds Dependence; Scarcity Builds Drive]]> We push into the hard edges of SNAP: who it helps, who it misses, and how incentives shape what ends up on the table. From $292 to $975, from whole loins to rice and beans, we test frugal tools, rant about fast food EBT, and ask for real stories from the field.

• why discomfort can drive progress and comfort can stall it
• how SNAP amounts compare to real grocery costs
• eating well on less using bulk cuts and staples
• unfair hoops after layoffs and how people game the rules
• concerns about EBT at fast food and corner stores
• proposal for curated food boxes to improve nutrition
• rising bills, cutting subs, and living within limits
• hustle culture myths versus patient, steady work
• family housing and support as cost relief
• the push and pull between safety nets and self‑reliance



Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201630 Buzzsprout-18089057 867 full 3 3 13 13 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[When Hustle Isn’t Sustainable, Systems Are]]> We share what worked and what didn’t while prepping and hosting a trade show, plus why we shipped a flawed audio episode to keep momentum. We dig into pay-per-appointment cold calling, LinkedIn access risks, and how to scale outreach without burning trust.

• choosing cadence over perfect audio to keep growth
• trade show highlights and why paying for setup wins
• real-world barter value from fridges to golf balls
• new member sign-up via event proof and energy
• testing pay-per-appointment cold callers with SLAs
• guarding brand by avoiding shared logins on LinkedIn
• list hygiene and auditing activity for quality control
• building resilience with flexible part-time teaching
• stacking systems to reduce grind and increase leverage
• voice acting cameo in a new beta video game


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201631 Buzzsprout-18050116 750 full 3 3 12 12 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Fake Internet Fame vs. Real Growth: A Trader's Take]]> We reflect on the journey of podcasting and content creation, comparing it to gardening where growth happens invisibly at first but eventually blossoms with patience and persistence.

• Recently reached milestone of 25 podcast episodes
• Importance of properly crediting sources in podcast content
• Growth in podcasting takes time, just like plants need weeks to emerge from soil
• Most "overnight successes" like Joe Rogan actually had years of brand-building first
• Much of viral internet content uses fake engagement from click farms
• Creating content with purpose is more sustainable than chasing algorithm rewards
• Episodes can gain traction months later when keywords become relevant

Keep planting your seeds and recording your episodes.


From Article: 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/plant-seeds-even-you-dont-see-growth-yet-gary-jones-dkcle

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201651 Buzzsprout-17430345 1101 full 3 3 11 11 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[10 Ways To Keep Your Podcast Listeners Engaged]]> We explore the top 10 ways to engage podcast listeners while sharing insights from personal experience in the podcasting world. The discussion reveals why authenticity trumps production quality and how building community can transform your podcast marketing strategy.

• Ask for feedback and reviews once you've built an audience beyond family and friends
• Encourage listeners to share your podcast on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Alignable
• Partner with sponsors through value exchanges like the Michigan Renaissance Festival ticket arrangement
• Consider offering exclusive content and early access to episodes for dedicated listeners
• Host live events or Q&A sessions where listeners can interact in real time
• Create community spaces where listeners can connect with each other and with you
• Minimize editing to maintain authenticity and save countless production hours
• Remember podcasting is a long-game strategy requiring consistency and commitment
• Focus on finding your unique identity and voice rather than perfect production
• Stay committed—most podcasts fail after just three episodes

Check out the Michigan Renaissance Festival and come network with us at Networking with Kids, first Thursday of every month at Jungle Java where business people can bring their children while making valuable connections.

Idea for this podcast is from this article from Gary Jones: 

(6) 10 Ways to engage your podcast listeners | LinkedIn


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201656 Buzzsprout-17352930 1643 full 3 3 10 10 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Summer Podcasting: Staying Productive with Kids Underfoot]]> Staying consistent with podcasting becomes especially challenging during summer months when family obligations, home repairs, and world events compete for attention and energy. 

• Summer creates unique challenges for content creators with disrupted routines and family priorities
• Home repairs and family health issues can quickly derail a podcast schedule
• World events and news cycles create additional distractions that drain mental energy
• Downloads and listener engagement naturally dip during vacation seasons
• Batch recording provides a buffer but requires significant advance planning
• Recording shorter episodes can help maintain consistency with less production time
• Finding creative recording spaces like your car can work when home isn't quiet
• The 23-minute episode length balances monetization potential and listener attention spans
• Involving older children in the podcast process can create both bonding and productivity
• Focusing on progress rather than perfection helps maintain momentum
• Remembering your "why" provides motivation during challenging periods

Be good or be good at it.


Ideas from: 

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/podcast-ideas-from-grow-radio-7240277072038834177/


Buzzsprout

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201653 Buzzsprout-17396697 1564 full 3 3 9 9 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Podcast Profit Machine]]> Podcasting offers a distinctive advantage in today's AI-saturated digital landscape, creating an authentic connection between businesses and their audience that algorithms can't replicate. We explore how this medium transforms cold outreach into warm leads while establishing you as an authority in your field.

• Building trust and authority by consistently sharing valuable insights about your industry
• Transforming traditional sales funnels by creating warm leads through podcasting
• Learning from brands like Four Sigmatic and Backblaze that grew through strategic podcast marketing
• Aligning your podcast with specific business goals rather than trying to appeal to everyone
• Creating high-value relationships with guests, listeners, and industry partners
• Maintaining consistency without getting derailed by perfectionism
• Approaching podcasting as a long-term strategy rather than expecting immediate results
• Focusing on providing value rather than excessive self-promotion
• Using AI tools to enhance your podcast strategy without losing authenticity

Ready to see how podcasting can help grow your business? Start by defining your audience and goals, then either launch your own show or reach out to be a guest on podcasts in your niche. Remember that consistency and authority are your most powerful marketing tools.


Ideas from:

Buzzsprout

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/podcast-ideas-from-grow-radio-7240277072038834177/


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201660 Buzzsprout-17247875 2083 full 3 3 7 7 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[How I Landed My First Podcast Sponsor (And What Comes Next)]]> I've landed my first podcast sponsorship with the Michigan Renaissance Festival and will be recording commercials for them through September. This milestone comes while I'm still recording from my car and figuring out audio settings.

• Received VIP/media passes for August 13th networking event before the festival opens
• Might conduct my first podcast interviews with Renaissance Festival performers
• Planning to give away festival tickets to followers and listeners 
• Shared story of attending the festival dressed as Jack Sparrow during post-COVID crowds
• Found myself entertaining people stuck in traffic, which was more fun than the festival itself
• Recently helped two people set up their own podcasts on different topics
• Emphasized that starting a podcast requires time, commitment and just hitting record

Be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201668 Buzzsprout-17104448 741 full 3 3 6 6 Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Unexpected Journey: When Your Podcast Gets Sponsored]]> A decade-long dream finally materializes! After years of creating content and navigating the ups and downs of podcasting, the Trading Post podcast has secured its first official sponsorship deal. This unexpected milestone arrived suddenly, catching me off guard despite having uploaded only 11-12 episodes total with sometimes months between releases.

The sponsorship opportunity involves exchanging airtime or mentions for tickets, opening exciting possibilities but also raising numerous questions. I'm now working with a consultant to navigate the business side of content creation—exploring everything from legal disclosures to potential tax implications and whether establishing an LLC makes sense. What started as a passion project about trading and bartering has suddenly transformed into what I jokingly call a "side come"—where opportunities come your way through consistent effort.

Recording challenges remain a fascinating part of my podcasting journey. Despite having access to workspace facilities, my car provides the environment where I feel most authentic and animated. I've experimented with various GarageBand settings from "narrator" to "radio ready" to find the right sound quality. Looking ahead, I'm considering using professional recording spaces for guest interviews while dreaming of an ultimate mobile podcast studio—perhaps a customized RV that embodies the rugged Trading Post brand. The lesson for fellow podcasters? Stay consistent, create content that excites you, and view sponsorships as a welcome bonus rather than the primary goal. Subscribe to follow this exciting new chapter and discover how persistence eventually pays off, even when the path feels slow and unpredictable.

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201669 Buzzsprout-17072114 660 full 3 3 5 5 Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What Nobody Tells You About Starting a Podcast for Business]]> The podcast downloads quadrupled after experimenting with posting twice weekly, proving that consistency is key to building an audience. Finding the right recording environment is crucial for maintaining authenticity and quality.

• Car recording provides surprisingly good acoustics with all the soft surfaces absorbing sound
• Holding off on podcast marketing during early experimental phase allows freedom to try different approaches
• The vision of a "mobile trading post" concept aligns with modernizing traditional trading practices
• Content creation takes substantial time investment with slow returns - video editing requires 15-60 minutes per finished minute
• 38-42 of the top 50 podcasts don't incorporate video components
• 23 minutes is the optimal podcast length according to Buzzsprout, aligning with average commute times
• AI helps with podcast planning and structure, but authentic human voices remain essential for connection

Whatever you do, be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201673 Buzzsprout-17037594 1638 full 3 3 4 4 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Long Game: Why Your Podcast Is Just Like Jeff Bezos' Early Days]]> The Trading Post podcast explores how Jeff Bezos's Amazon business principles can be applied to successful podcasting strategies. Drawing parallels between Bezos's customer obsession approach and podcast audience engagement, this episode reveals how consistency, patience, and innovation drive growth in both realms.

• Comparing the evolution of SEO to the rising importance of podcasting for business promotion
• Amazon's "customer obsession" philosophy and how it translates to treating podcast listeners
• The critical importance of consistency in publishing schedule for sustainable podcast growth
• Why audio podcasting works better than video for reaching busy B2B audiences
• How trade associations function as business growth tools through bartering and networking
• Testing different podcast formats, including a seasonal approach to content organization
• Recognizing podcasting as a long-term investment with indirect business benefits beyond direct monetization
• Using podcasts to explain complex business concepts like barter and trade associations

Be sure to subscribe, leave feedback if you can, and join us next time as we continue exploring innovative business promotion strategies.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201677 Buzzsprout-16976485 1802 full 3 3 3 3 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What Success Really Means in the World of Podcast Analytics]]> Podcasting success isn't measured in downloads alone but in consistency, authenticity, and passion for your subject matter. The journey of building an audience requires patience and realistic expectations about growth.

• Don't get discouraged by low download numbers when starting out
• Comparing yourself to established podcasters like Joe Rogan is unrealistic as they started with existing audiences
• Current podcast statistics show approximately 4.5 million indexed podcasts globally
• Consistency matters more than perfection - don't over-edit your content
• For B2B podcasting, there's a significant market opportunity due to lack of current, relevant content
• Aim for quality content over perfect production - authenticity connects better than polished perfection
• Batch recording (doing multiple episodes in one session) can help maintain consistency
• As AI content increases across platforms, genuine human connection through podcasting becomes more valuable

Be good or be good at it!


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201679 Buzzsprout-16952289 1886 full 3 3 2 2 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Crafting Connections Through Audio]]> Season 3 Episode 1 dives into the transformative journey of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear, establishing consistency, and engaging with an audience through storytelling. Listeners learn about structuring podcasts into seasons, leveraging personal experiences for business growth, and the unexpected benefits of sharing their voice.

• Overcoming the fear of sharing your voice
• Utilizing seasons as categories instead of time
• Season 1 will focus on trade and membership in trade groups
• Emphasizing networking in season 2
• Leveraging podcasts for business growth in season 3
• Including camping and prepping gear reviews in season 4
• The importance of authenticity in podcasting
• Practical strategies for improving audience engagement

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201686 Buzzsprout-16647394 1590 full 3 3 1 1 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Digital Business Cards: Have We Gone Too Far?]]> We talk through a real business card bingo mixer and what it reveals about where networking is thriving and where tech is making things weird. We break down why physical cards still win in the room, how we use QR codes to drive podcast marketing, and the follow-up system that turns contacts into real business. 
• business card bingo as a forced way to meet 14 people 
• digital business cards creating phone fumbling and awkward moments 
• NFC and QR code reliability problems in real rooms 
• why tangible cards still stay visible longer 
• using a memorable card to spark barter and trade questions 
• Linktree and podcast analytics proving networking impact 
• why cold email outreach underperforms compared to warm handshakes 
• the real job after the event: LinkedIn requests, email follow-ups, CRM notes 



Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201608 Buzzsprout-19749743 1230 full 2 2 30 30 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[When Marketing Gets Loud How Do You Break Through]]> We share quick updates on how we’re growing a B2B barter community through local media, networking, and The Trading Post Podcast instead of leaning on SEO. Then we get honest about outbound lead gen, why Apollo.io isn’t fitting our small business targets, and why we may need to go back to door knocking and phone calls across a huge Metro Detroit territory.

  • Upcoming appearance on Fireside Chat TV and where to watch
  • How a networking group connection turns into a live interview
  • Plans to repurpose the TV recording as a Barter Thursday chat
  • Michigan Renaissance Festival sponsorship and ticket giveaways
  • Why email outreach feels ignored and overcrowded now
  • Apollo.io limitations for small business B2B prospecting
  • The reality of selling barter across a wide region without local reps

If you want Michigan Renaissance Festival tickets, just get a hold of me—message, email, whatever’s easiest—and ask for some tickets and we’ll go from there. As a thank you, a few dollars a month in support is really appreciated through the “Support the Show” link.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201610 Buzzsprout-19539084 609 full 2 2 29 29 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What If Your Next Sales Rep Is Software]]> I’m trying to stop the endless cycle of hiring, training, and turnover by leaning into AI-driven outreach instead of adding another sales rep. I walk through what I’m testing with Apollo.io, what went wrong on my first run, and how I’m rebuilding my lead list and email sequence to reach real local decision makers. 
• why staffing flakiness makes owners do every job at once 
• choosing automation over hiring for trade and barter education-heavy sales 
• what Apollo.io does well and where it fails for hyperlocal businesses 
• pulling local leads with ReferenceUSA and filtering for the right companies 
• uploading CSVs, running enrichment, and avoiding wasted credits 
• building a three-email sequence that boosts legitimacy with a local ad and podcast 
• early results after fixing the setup and targeting decision makers 
Hit me up if you’d like some tickets here soon when they when they open up. 
You can just apply yourself online if you want to. 


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201612 Buzzsprout-19470015 724 full 2 2 26 26 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[If Nobody Shows Up To Interviews What Now]]> We share a real-world update on shifting from trying to hire sales reps to testing an AI agent for cold outreach and sales prospecting. We walk through what we have set up so far, what is already working, and what still feels messy as we try to scale follow-up without sounding like a robot. 
• why hiring sales reps stalls when applicants ghost interviews 
• using Apollo AI to run consistent cold email sequences 
• early outreach results, replies, and open-rate expectations 
• integrating automated outreach with our proprietary CRM 
• finding warm leads outside Metro Detroit using online signals 
• staying under spam thresholds with sensible daily volume 
• adding phone calls, LinkedIn touches, and the “six to seven touches” idea 
• risks and cautions around cold texting and compliance 
• spotting AI-script “voice” and keeping messages human 
Feel free to reach out and I’ll give you my, you know, two cents on it or whatever how I feel 


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201613 Buzzsprout-19367850 1110 full 2 2 26 26 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Paying Job Boards Or Letting AI Do It]]> We’re trying to hire outside sales reps across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, and the “nobody wants to work” problem hits different when you’re the one posting the job. We lay out what cold calling looks like right now, why job boards feel like pay-to-play, and why we’re testing AI agents to keep MetroTrade growing for our members. 
• why we’re hiring and why we can’t cover every city ourselves 
• what MetroTrade feels like for members and why local relationships matter in B2B barter 
• why cold calling burns out fast and why “email me” becomes the new default 
• how we broke the territory into seven districts and why reps need to live locally 
• why overseas and out-of-state applicants do not work for outside sales coverage 
• what we learned about the legal and practical limits of internships 
• the real monthly cost of sponsored job ads on major platforms 
• the math on W-2 salaries plus overhead versus 1099 commission roles 
• why an AI sales agent helps with scraping, lists, and fourth follow-ups 
• how we want to integrate AI with our CRM to track touches and avoid duplicates 
Maybe let me know, you know, comments or whatever, write in. 
What do y’all do out there? Be good or be good at it. 


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201614 Buzzsprout-19273898 1566 full 2 2 25 25 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[I’m Hiring 1099 Reps And Testing AI To Grow Metro Trade]]> A water main break turns into a real-time stress test for local small businesses and a reminder that community awareness can reveal trade opportunities. I also share how I’m changing my sales approach with 1099 reps and AI tools so Metro Trading Association can grow without relying on endless cold calling. 
• local state of emergency and how outages hit revenue, staff income, and inventory loss 
• why a barter network can act as a backup plan when cash flow and operations get disrupted 
• shifting from W-2 history to testing 1099 outside sales reps 
• using AI agents for prospecting, emails, and social posting while keeping a human cadence 
• lessons from a small networking meetup and a multi-agent AI tool suggestion 
• fuel prices, fewer trips, and the ROI logic for joining a barter exchange 
• sponsor support that helps cover a $400 application fee for businesses that need it 
If you're not already connected to me on alignable, do that and follow along and come to my event over at the Susie Q's kids over at there on Mound Road. 
So, what I'm doing is for three or to ten dollars, if you click on the link, you can sponsor the show anywhere between three and ten bucks. 


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201615 Buzzsprout-19171033 1090 full 2 2 24 24 Thu, 14 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What Happens When You Stop Marketing Online And Start Selling Door To Door]]> We share a real-time update on how we’re changing our marketing plan and why we’re building a sales force instead of trying to do everything ourselves. We break down how interns and 1099 outside sales reps can help grow a B2B trade exchange across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
• shifting away from relying on SEO and leaning into podcast-driven marketing
• hiring 1099 contract outside sales reps because we can’t divide ourselves into five people
• using interns as a win-win for students who want contacts and real B2B experience
• what worked last time we expanded a sales team and why it’s worth repeating
• how commission-only can fit interns and side-hustle sellers with existing rapport
• setting clear territory boundaries so members can sell and spend trade locally
Let me know if you’ve ever tried this before and comment and whatever. Give me a direct message there, a DM. If you know anybody that’s looking for a side hustle, if you know an intern, a student, a college student, send them my way.


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201616 Buzzsprout-19110003 493 full 2 2 23 23 Fri, 01 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What If Your Empty Capacity Was Real Money]]> We talk through how small businesses can barter to grow, market, and protect cash when costs like gas rise fast. We also share a real example of trading for local TV exposure and why relationships and networking still beat fancy tactics. 
• using trade dollars to scale without spending cash 
• trading for local TV features to build brand recognition 
• why barter feels “old school” and how it is returning 
• gas price spikes and the hit to contractors and seasonal businesses 
• preserving cash flow by covering business expenses through barter 
• barter market growth and turning unused capacity into buying power 
• practical networking advice through chambers and relationship building 

get out there and network.


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201617 Buzzsprout-18982641 994 full 2 2 22 22 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[From Influencer Trends to Affiliate Programs: The Future of Business Marketing]]> Affiliate and influencer marketing are no longer just for consumer brands—they're transforming B2B marketing with performance-based models that prioritize trust and authenticity over mass reach. Traditional marketing approaches are converging with new digital strategies as B2B companies recognize the power of micro-influencers and genuine content partnerships.

• COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation across industries, pushing B2B marketing into new territory
• Performance-based affiliate marketing allows companies to pay for actual results rather than potential reach
• B2B companies focus on micro-influencers (10,000-50,000 followers) rather than mega-influencers
• Industry experts with engaged niche audiences generate higher trust and conversion rates
• Expert content like tutorials, webinars, and case studies integrate affiliate links organically
• AI-driven tools help optimize campaigns while respecting increasingly important privacy concerns
• Short-form video content is gaining traction even in traditionally long-form B2B marketing
• Authenticity is essential—start with 3-5 trusted influencers who align with your brand values
• Track performance with clear metrics and continuously nurture affiliate relationships
• Quality partnerships consistently outperform quantity in the B2B space

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore AI innovations in sales and creative barter marketing strategies shaping the future of B2B.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201643 Buzzsprout-17581997 1494 full 2 2 22 22 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Sales Advice That Shapes Careers: What Actually Works]]> Discover the sales and marketing strategies that actually drive career growth. In this episode, we break down the proven frameworks, mindsets, and practical tactics that top performers use to sell smarter, market with clarity, and build long‑term momentum. You’ll learn why obsession outperforms ideas, how to design a role around your energy, and why consistency beats chasing viral moments.

We cover actionable strategies across sales, marketing, PR, hiring, and growth so you can move faster—without losing your edge:

  • How to build a career around obsession, not a “unique idea”
  • How to map what energizes vs. drains you to design your ideal role
  • Why selling the transformation (the sizzle) outperforms selling features
  • How to sell in the right order: need → fit → deal
  • Why losing is the price of admission—and how to learn in public
  • How to start a podcast by taking action before perfection
  • Using mind maps to build a living strategy instead of rigid business plans
  • Choosing sustainable marketing channels and winning with consistency
  • Writing your PR story package before approaching journalists
  • Approaching investors by asking for advice, not capital
  • Landing sponsorships using measurable results + emotional resonance
  • Applying the “7–8 rule” in hiring and performance management
  • Understanding brand as what people say when you stop talking
  • Growing global early to diversify risk and unlock opportunity
  • Executing a simple, effective 30/60/90‑day plan for momentum

If this episode helped you, share it with one person who’s ready to grow their career or business.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201618 Buzzsprout-18900629 711 full 2 2 21 21 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Live Recording At The American Business Women's Association Meeting]]> We share how a simple, audio-only podcast outpaced SEO, educated prospects on B2B trade, and opened doors to sponsors and even a video game cameo. The workflow stays light, the topics align with real searches, and distribution meets listeners where they already network.

• origin story of Trader Stew and early businesses
• why podcasting over SEO for educating prospects
• how trade credits and fees work in a curated network
• audio-only setup and minimal-edit workflow
• building authority through consistent publishing
• seasons used as chapters for navigation
• trend-led topics and AI-assisted outlines
• distribution via LinkedIn and Alignable for reach
• Buzzsprout hosting, leveling, and monetization metrics
• practical gear options from phone mics to wireless kits
• avoiding podfade by lowering friction to ship
• turning collaborations into sponsorships and evergreen placements

Be good or be good at it


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201628 Buzzsprout-18287519 1957 full 2 2 20 20 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[When Cash Slows, Capacity Becomes Currency]]> We share why a substitute teaching plan got scrapped and why we doubled down on B2B trade. We unpack the empty lunch rush, tipping fatigue, and how restaurants use vouchers and breakage to turn quiet hours into revenue.

• credit-hour roadblock ends sub teaching plan
• recommitment to trading network and podcast marketing
• signs of recession and local gym closure
• fading lunch rush and shifting diner habits
• frustration with forced tipping screens at checkout
• why restaurants thrive on controlled barter
• using gift certificates to manage trade flow
• capturing breakage and small cash add-ons
• prospecting insights from strip malls
• winter strategy for restaurants to fill seats

If you're a restaurant, consider joining a trade organization in your area. Now might be a good time to consider joining a trade organization in your area.


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201629 Buzzsprout-18177889 891 full 2 2 19 19 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[How Small Businesses Grow by Sponsoring Niche Podcasters and YouTubers]]> We explain why sponsoring niche podcasters and YouTubers beats mass ads for small businesses and local services. We share pricing ranges, performance tactics like affiliate links, and how authenticity drives trust and conversion.

• housekeeping, health update, and sponsorship changes
• local referrals and side projects including game trailer and indoor media billboards
• limited-time free ad screens for early indoor media adopters
• why micro-influencers outperform celebrity and mass media for SMEs
• host-read authenticity and trust from real experience
• measurable ROI with affiliate links, codes, and custom URLs
• pricing bands for 1k–100k creators and budget planning
• local vs national targeting for relevance and cost control
• B2B focus on credibility, guesting, and long-term trust
• action plan: test 3–5 creators and allocate 5–10% budget


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201632 Buzzsprout-17944916 800 full 2 2 18 18 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT true <![CDATA[Pivoting During Uncertainty: Career Shifts and Cottage Food Law Ventures]]> After a brief hiatus due to illness, I return to discuss my career pivot and new entrepreneurial plans. I'm scaling back my work at Metro Trading Association to pursue substitute teaching and explore starting a cottage food business.

• Transitioning to part-time work at MTA due to changing economic landscape
• Starting substitute teaching as a stable career option amidst AI advancements
• Planning to launch a cottage food business under Michigan's $25,000 sales cap
• Exploring food business ideas with low overhead and high profit margins
• Considering the example of a successful but mediocre BBQ vendor at a campground
• Evaluating multiple income streams for better work-life balance

Visit the Renaissance Festival for their final weekend! Metro Trading Association members can get tickets on trade.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201633 Buzzsprout-17910732 878 full 2 2 17 17 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Old Grill, New Tricks: Sustainable Thinking for Entrepreneurs]]> Sustainability means more than recycling—sometimes it's about getting creative and maximizing what you already have, whether it's grilling equipment or business resources.

• The dilemma of repairing versus replacing a Weber kettle with rusted vents
• How spending $126 on repairs proved better than $1,800 on a new gravity smoker
• Preserving valuable accessories, knowledge, and muscle memory when upgrading
• Business owners resist change for similar reasons: comfort with existing processes
• Finding value in teaching children hands-on approaches rather than automation
• Smart, sustainable moves: audit what you have before replacing it
• Upgrade or repair before buying new, especially when already invested in tools
• Resistance from your team might signal a need for training rather than overhaul
• Resourcefulness is something to celebrate and share with customers

Hit me up if you want to trade stories, join MTA, or just chat business or barbecue!


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Metro Trading Association
MTA helps businesses improve cash flow, reduce inventory, and increase profits through bartering.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Press X 2 Play Games
Survive the apocalypse in "Get Prepped" by Press X2 Play—play now at pressx2play.games!

First Hill Marketing
Elevating brands with innovative digital marketing strategies and solutions.

Good Neighbor Podcast
Bringing Together Local Businesses & Neighbors of Rochester & Shelby, MI/Greater Detroit Area

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and perf]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201634 Buzzsprout-17816257 984 full 2 2 16 16 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[From Exploding Tents to Digital Billboards: A Trader's Journey]]> Trader Stu reveals how business barter creates opportunities for new customers and partnerships while sharing his journey using podcasting instead of SEO to market his business. He discusses innovative marketing strategies and shares exciting local events happening at the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

• Using barter as a powerful business growth tool that isn't taught in business schools
• Partnership with Quantum Local Media placing ads on indoor digital billboards in high-traffic locations
• Michigan Renaissance Festival featuring world market, belly dancing competition, steampunk contest
• Camping adventures and lessons learned including the exploding tent incident
• Hyperlocal marketing strategy focusing on education through podcast promotion
• Free advertising opportunity for businesses hosting digital monitors

Quantum Local Media Venue Partner Information:

https://quantumlocalmedia.com/venue-partner/


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Metro Trading Association
MTA helps businesses improve cash flow, reduce inventory, and increase profits through bartering.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Press X 2 Play Games
Survive the apocalypse in "Get Prepped" by Press X2 Play—play now at pressx2play.games!

First Hill Marketing
Elevating brands with innovative digital marketing strategies and solutions.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201635 Buzzsprout-17795016 958 full 2 2 15 15 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Indoor Billboard Advertising: The Future of Local Marketing]]> We unlock the secrets of business-to-business trade through powerful networking strategies and explore using podcasts as a marketing tool instead of relying solely on SEO.

• Working from home while dealing with family health challenges demonstrates today's business flexibility
• Renaissance Festival sponsorship provides free tickets in exchange for podcast promotions
• New partnership with an indoor billboard company creates opportunities for Metro Trading Association members
• Indoor billboards produce powerful results with an 83% recall rate among customers
• Businesses hosting billboards receive $4,600 in free annual advertising across multiple locations
• Targeting by county ensures advertising reaches potential customers within reasonable distance
• The concept of "15-minute cities" shows a return to local business and community focus
• High-traffic locations like restaurants, salons, and fitness centers make ideal billboard hosts

Contact us at 248-244-0000 and ask for Stu to learn more about indoor billboard opportunities in Oakland County.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201637 Buzzsprout-17743004 1082 full 2 2 14 14 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Microphone in Hand: Real Chamber Members Share Their Business Pitches]]> Behind the scenes of a local Chamber of Commerce networking event called "Coffee Talk," sharing real elevator pitches from business professionals across diverse industries.

• Speed networking events allow participants to give 2-minute elevator pitches to multiple tables
• Using notes is perfectly acceptable and helps ensure you cover all important points
• The key components of a good pitch include a clear introduction, what makes your business unique, and a specific "ask"
• Networking is a skill that improves with practice - don't expect to nail it the first time
• Even experienced professionals get nervous when presenting their business
• Diverse businesses represented include orthodontists, banks, recreation centers, art organizations, and more
• Building relationships through in-person networking can be more effective than relying solely on SEO
• Recording real pitches helps demystify the networking process for newcomers

Whatever y'all do out there, be good or be good at it.

Contact information for those who gave a 2 minute presentation:

  1. Paint Creek Center for the Arts — Shaun Hayes — Shaun@PCCArt.org — www.pccart.org
  2. Olivia Kay (Certified Speaker, Neuroscience Coach, and Author) — Olivia Kay  — www.oliviak.org
  3. ReSale Connection (Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan)  www.semich.AssistanceLeague.org
  4. Stand For What Is Noble — Elizabeth Graham Kaniarz — elizabeth.kaniarz@standforwhatisnoble.com — standforwhatisnoble.com
  5. RARA Recreation — Samuel Lunt — Sam@RARArecreation.org — www.rararecreation.org
  6. OPC Social & Activity Center — Jenay Frost — jfrost@opcenter.org — opcenter.org
  7. First State Bank — Laurie Sigelko — lsigelko@fsb.bank — www.fsb.bank
  8. David Powers — David Powers — DP@DAVIDPERFORMS.COM — www.davidperforms.com
  9. The Marketing Shop — Vicky M. Winkler — vicky@tms.marketing — www.tms.marketing
  10. Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan — info@wustylerochester.com — www.wustylerochester.com



Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play ]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201638 Buzzsprout-17677509 2001 full 2 2 13 13 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Trading Lessons from Renaissance Merchants]]> We unlock the secrets of Renaissance-era business strategies and discover how 16th-century merchants mastered networking, marketing, and creative value exchange long before modern B2B concepts existed.

• Medieval merchants created powerful visual branding with storefront symbols that became the precursors to modern logos
• Professional "criers" served as human billboards, offering free samples while chanting slogans—the original product demonstrations
• Guilds functioned as exclusive B2B networks, setting quality standards, fixing prices, and offering healthcare and retirement benefits
• Renaissance fairs were the original trade shows, featuring international merchants, experiential marketing, and on-the-spot deal financing
• Multi-party barter chains allowed merchants to trade globally without cash, using reputation-backed bills of exchange
• Merchant networks were built on generosity—those who hosted travelers or shared market intelligence earned lifetime referrals
• AI represents our modern renaissance, offering powerful business tools while potentially disrupting traditional jobs
• The core principles of business success remain constant: trust, creativity, and mutual benefit

Visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival now through September to experience living history and see merchant marketing in action. Find me near the turkey legs this week!


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201640 Buzzsprout-17654101 1574 full 2 2 12 12 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Pocket Swap: From Chamber of Commerce Mixers to Chamber of Secrets]]> The Trading Post podcast unlocks the secret formula to transforming business cards into profitable relationships using a simple, measurable strategy that works at any networking event.

• Approach networking events with the "40 card challenge" - emptying your left pocket of business cards while filling your right pocket with prospects
• Most people fail at networking because they collect cards but never follow up properly
• Calculating your true ROI helps determine which events are worth your time investment
• Simple equation: (deal value) ÷ (hours invested including prep/event/follow-up) = your hourly ROI
• Memorable elevator pitches like "We'll put the seat down" for plumbers create instant connections
• Use a permanent marker to note conversation topics on the back of collected cards
• Follow up within 24-48 hours with personalized emails referencing specific conversations
• Digital alternatives like LinkedIn connections and NFC cards are changing networking dynamics
• The key to networking success is viewing it as an investment with measurable returns

Email your networking success stories to be featured in a future episode.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201647 Buzzsprout-17508609 1544 full 2 2 10 10 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What Failed Tsunami Predictions Teach Us About Business Forecasting]]> We dive into the reality of using LinkedIn for lead generation and why audio content might be making a surprising comeback while video content becomes less effective for busy professionals.

• LinkedIn claims 80% of B2B leads originate there, but regional businesses may find better results on local platforms like Alignable
• AI-powered prospecting shows 30% higher conversion rates when properly implemented
• Video content gets higher engagement but requires significant time investment for both creators and viewers
• Audio-only content is experiencing a resurgence as people seek to reduce screen time
• Business forecasting parallels the recent tsunami prediction – preparation matters, but overreacting to hype wastes resources
• Consistency trumps production quality in podcasting – create 100 episodes before expecting significant results

Check out Michigan Renaissance Festival starting August 16th and join our in-person networking group on the first Thursday of each month called Networking with Kids – find us on Eventbrite, Alignable, and Meetup


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201649 Buzzsprout-17470342 1687 full 2 2 8 8 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Michigan's AI Calling Laws: What Businesses Need to Know]]> Michigan's new regulations prohibit using AI voices for B2B appointment setting beginning January 2025, with violations resulting in fines up to $1,500 per occurrence. Learn how AI is transforming podcasting while creating legal challenges for marketers and existential questions for content creators.

• Michigan businesses cannot use AI voices for B2B appointment setting starting January 2025
• TCPA requires prior written consent for AI-generated or pre-recorded voice calls
• AI calling assistants sound obviously robotic and frequently fail in real-world applications
• AI synopsis tools threaten YouTube watch time by condensing hour-long videos into 4-minute reads
• Car podcasting presents unique acoustic challenges requiring experimentation with microphone placement
• YouTube is beginning to crack down on repetitive, low-quality AI content

Thanks to our sponsors: the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Metro Trading Association, Networking with Kids, and Get Prepped video game. Join us at Networking with Kids at Jungle Java in Clinton Township on the first Thursday of every month from 4-6 PM.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201658 Buzzsprout-17307766 1598 full 2 2 6 6 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Quest to Clone Yourself Through Technology]]> I share my journey exploring AI tools to automate cold calling and appointment setting for business development while maintaining personal connection with clients. The quest to multiply my sales efforts across multiple counties without hiring additional staff has led to testing innovative solutions that could revolutionize how small businesses approach growth.

• The continuing importance of cold calling for business development despite networking efforts
• Testing Callin.io AI appointment setting system that integrates with Google Calendar
• How AI can pre-qualify prospects and automatically schedule appointments 
• Technical challenges and programming considerations when implementing AI calling systems
• Potential cost savings of $30 for 3.5 hours of call time versus hiring staff
• The ultimate goal of expanding business reach across seven counties in Eastern Michigan

Whatever you do, be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Metro Trading Association
MTA helps businesses improve cash flow, reduce inventory, and increase profits through bartering.

Networking With Kids!
For busy professionals who want to network without sacrificing family time.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

First Hill Marketing
Elevating brands with innovative digital marketing strategies and solutions.

Good Neighbor Podcast
Bringing Together Local Businesses & Neighbors of Rochester & Shelby, MI/Greater Detroit Area

Press X 2 Play Games
Survive the apocalypse in "Get Prepped" by Press X2 Play—play now at pressx2play.games!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201661 Buzzsprout-17234326 1685 full 2 2 5 5 Tue, 27 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[How I'm using AI to dominate my follow-up game when nobody else is]]> The Trading Post podcast explores how to leverage AI tools like Perplexity to transform business networking follow-ups and stand out from competitors who rarely capitalize on their business card collections. We demonstrate a systematic approach to turn networking connections into meaningful business relationships through strategic AI utilization.

• Using Perplexity AI to research businesses from collected business cards
• Creating personalized follow-up emails with AI that match your authentic speaking tone
• Building custom AI personas to streamline repetitive business explanations
• How AI is changing SEO and potentially reducing direct website traffic
• Strategies for using AI in cold email campaigns while avoiding spam flags
• Challenges of geographic coverage when networking across multiple metropolitan areas
• Using LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other tools to target businesses by location

Whatever you do, be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201671 Buzzsprout-17057641 1537 full 2 2 4 4 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Networking Essentials for Entrepreneurs]]> https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Networking remains vital for small businesses even in the digital age, with many entrepreneurs overlooking the power of face-to-face connections that lead to genuine business relationships. Trader Stu shares his comprehensive checklist of networking opportunities that business owners should consider, from traditional organizations to digital platforms and organic encounters.

• Chambers of Commerce offer professional development, guest speakers, and valuable subgroups like Preferred Client Network
• Business Network International (BNI) provides structured weekly meetings but works best for cash-based businesses
• SCORE and entrepreneur organizations connect business owners with experienced mentors at no cost
• LinkedIn offers broad reach while Alignable provides more localized networking focused on specific geographic areas
• Organic networking through everyday interactions often yields better results than formal events
• Alternative networking models like "Networking with Kids" accommodate entrepreneurs with family responsibilities
• Personal branding helps you stand out at networking events and creates conversation starters
• Consistent follow-up transforms business card exchanges into meaningful relationships

Get out there, try something new, get on a platform, attend a local event, and whatever you do, be good or be good at it.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201675 Buzzsprout-16996126 1982 full 2 2 3 3 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Networking with Kids: A New Approach for Parent Entrepreneurs]]> I accidentally created a solution for parent entrepreneurs struggling to balance networking events with family responsibilities by launching a family-friendly business networking group. The experience revealed how many business owners need ways to grow professionally without sacrificing precious time with their children.

• Found that traditional networking events force parents to choose between business growth and family time
• Created "Networking with Kids" events at Jungle Java with another Alignable Ambassador Dr. Mary from Susie Q's Kids
• Strategically scheduled from 4-6pm following school pickup times
• Provides contained environment where kids can play while parents network
• Saw immediate success with natural connections forming among both parents and children
• Planning expansion to additional venues and potentially multiple monthly events
• Available through Alignable, Meetup, and Eventbrite for interested participants

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, join us at Jungle Java on Hall Road in Clinton Township from 4-6pm on the first Thursday of every month. Parents and kids of all ages are welcome!

RSVP for the next event!

https://www.alignable.com/groups/alignable-alliance-of-metro-detroit-mi/events/networking-with-kids-may-2025?_faid=16503&cpd=1

https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-qwiaqsgd/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/networking-with-kids-tickets-1317605566719?aff=oddtdtcreator



“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
 
 This original jingle is a Western/Cowboy-inspired piece, reflecting Trader Stu’s signature style—always rocking the cowboy hat. Set in the key of D minor, the track blends rodeo whistles with a country-like guitar riff.
 
 The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
 
 For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusivel]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201680 Buzzsprout-16939307 1647 full 2 2 2 2 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[From Online to In-Person: Networking in the 21st Century]]> Networking goes beyond mere exchanges of business cards; authentic connections can make all the difference. This episode discusses the value of in-person networking and contrasts it with online platforms. 

• Importance of real-life interactions over online connections 
• A unique roundtable format at networking events enhances engagement 
• Alignable, LinkedIn, My Collective Network, BNI: Exploring effective networking platforms 


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201684 Buzzsprout-16692199 1115 full 2 2 1 1 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[How A Renaissance Festival Reveals Smart B2B Networking]]> What can the Michigan Renaissance Festival teach us about growing a business and keeping more cash in the bank?

After attending Media Night with my family, I saw a real-life example of how a strong business ecosystem works: vendors, food, entertainment, artisans, operations, marketing, and more—all creating value together.

In this episode, I break down how that same concept applies to a B2B barter network like Metro Trading Association. You’ll learn how businesses can turn unused inventory, open appointments, empty tables, and extra service capacity into trade dollars—then use those trade dollars for real business expenses without draining cash.

In this episode:

  • How a major local event functions like a connected business network
  • Why modern barter is not a one-to-one swap
  • How one new customer can create opportunity for multiple local businesses
  • How to turn extra capacity into new sales without discounting your cash price
  • Ways trade dollars can help preserve cash for payroll, rent, taxes, utilities, and other cash-only bills
  • A simple way to identify unused capacity inside your own business

A special thank-you to the Michigan Renaissance Festival for having my family and me at Media Night. The festival runs weekends through October 4 in Holly, Michigan—learn more at MichRenFest.com.



Want to explore whether barter could work for your business? Reach out to Metro Trading Association.



Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201609 Buzzsprout-19677356 743 full 1 1 17 17 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[You Can Modernize Your Marketing Without Burning Cash]]> We break down the biggest small business marketing trends for 2026 and the practical ways we can use AI, automation, local SEO, and short form video without hiring a big team. We also explain how Metro Trading Association lets us test modern marketing with trade dollars instead of draining cash.
• AI-driven personalization that increases engagement and repeat business
• using trade dollars to get AI consulting, automation setup, and content creation
• why 2026 Google searches are more problem-based and local
• local SEO that targets real questions with proof like reviews and case studies
• turning summer search trends into experience-based offers and promos
• a four-step playbook: research trends, pick three tests, find providers on the exchange, run one 30-day experiment
Send me a quick message with AI Maxing, Marketing26, or SummerMaxing, and I'll connect you with real members and vendors on the exchange who can help you implement this stuff.
If you got value from this episode, share it with another business owner and subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201611 Buzzsprout-19503929 646 full 1 1 16 16 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[What Happens When A Coffee Shop Becomes A Mini Marketplace]]> We explore how buying products on trade and selling for cash turns a neighborhood coffee roaster into a mini marketplace with strong margins and steady foot traffic. We share the Deer Camp story, compare it with big-brand marketing, and map out how local vendors can plug in fast.

• buying on trade, selling for cash as a cashflow lever
• Deer Camp’s curated local goods and café experience
• how trade associations connect retailers and makers
• lessons from Black Rifle’s investor-backed marketing
• roasting schedule, operating hours, and product mix
• vendor matchmaking to expand shelf variety
• examples of underused trade opportunities locally
• why the Cracker Barrel-style layout boosts baskets


DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company | Café | Store | Michigan | Wild Game | Gifts

“If you’re near me, call me up 248-244-0000. Let’s have a conversation.”


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201619 Buzzsprout-18781904 578 full 1 1 15 15 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Turning Holiday Overstock Into Trade Value]]> We share a fast, practical way to turn post-holiday overstock into real value using barter, consignment, and smart capacity planning. A 3D printing maker, a nonprofit partner, and a trade network show how to avoid clearance losses and keep cash in the bank.

• converting unsold holiday stock into trade value
• using consignment to move kiosk surplus
• leveraging 3D printing for prototypes and rare parts
• timing trade to fill off-peak capacity
• protecting margins by avoiding clearance discounts
• using community networking to speed movement
• spending trade credits on needed services

Come on out to Suzy Q’s Kids second Monday of the month and come say hi and do some networking and then pack some bags for the kiddos


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201624 Buzzsprout-18501411 488 full 1 1 14 14 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Chicken Wings for Plumbing? No, It's Smarter Than That]]> Trader Stu explores why restaurants should join barter groups as a strategic business move in today's challenging economic climate.

• Restaurants face rising costs, cautious consumer spending, and fierce competition for loyal customers
• Barter offers a creative way to overcome these challenges while preserving cash flow
• Trade unused inventory and empty tables for essential services like cleaning, marketing, and repairs
• Joining a barter group provides an instant business community and built-in clientele
• Barter can help increase foot traffic by introducing new customers to your restaurant
• Trade dollars can be used for employee perks and benefits without increasing payroll costs
• Marketing and advertising opportunities through barter help expand your reach affordably
• Barter credits act as an alternative currency during cash-tight periods
• Some barter networks offer credit lines for significant expenses with interest paid in trade dollars

If you're intrigued, reach out to your local barter network. If you're not in my area, contact me for a referral. Remember, sometimes the best currency isn't cash, it's community.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201641 Buzzsprout-17612730 1594 full 1 1 13 13 Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Unlocking New Revenue: How Blending Trade and Cash Transforms Business]]> Trader Stu shares strategic approaches for blending trade and cash to maximize business revenue and expand customer reach with real-world examples from new members. 

• Combining trade with cash transactions creates a powerful marketing strategy that preserves cash while driving new business
• Birch Run Speedway uses trade for ticket sales while keeping concessions, merchandise, and sponsorships cash-only
• Customers who attend events on trade often spend more cash on-site since they perceive their admission as "free"
• Filling otherwise empty seats or appointment slots with trade customers brings in additional revenue with no incremental cost
• Salon example shows how to accept trade for select services (red light therapy, facials) while keeping high-cost services cash-only
• Trade clients often become loyal cash customers and refer others to your business
• Consider trade as part of your marketing budget, not a replacement for cash sales
• The strategic approach works for nearly any business with unused capacity or perishable inventory

Check out Michigan Renaissance Festival next month in August!


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201645 Buzzsprout-17546264 1550 full 1 1 12 12 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Truth About Starting a Business After Being Laid Off]]> Trader Stu explores the challenges of post-layoff entrepreneurship and shares exciting news about being featured in an upcoming apocalyptic survival video game called "Get Prepped."

• Being featured as a trader character in "Get Prepped," an apocalyptic survival video game releasing this winter
• Average gamer today is in their 30s with disposable income - not just teenagers
• The Michigan Renaissance Festival sponsorship and themed weekend events
• Post-layoff entrepreneurship challenges and unrealistic expectations
• Most new business owners after layoffs rely on unemployment benefits for startup capital
• Without proper advertising and marketing budget, new businesses struggle to survive
• The three biggest challenges for post-layoff entrepreneurs: cash flow, marketing, and time management
• Approximately 45% of small businesses fail within the first few years
• The importance of having substantial capital when starting a business
• Many entrepreneurs create similar businesses in trendy fields without differentiation

Check out the Michigan Renaissance Festival this summer and fall, and look for "Get Prepped" coming this winter where you can find Trader Stu as the in-game trading post merchant.


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Metro Trading Association
MTA helps businesses improve cash flow, reduce inventory, and increase profits through bartering.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Networking With Kids!
For busy professionals who want to network without sacrificing family time.

First Hill Marketing
Elevating brands with innovative digital marketing strategies and solutions.

Good Neighbor Podcast
Bringing Together Local Businesses & Neighbors of Rochester & Shelby, MI/Greater Detroit Area

Press X 2 Play Games
Survive the apocalypse in "Get Prepped" by Press X2 Play—play now at pressx2play.games!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at Buzzsprout-17196452 1610 full 1 1 11 11 Tue, 20 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[From Debt to Harvest: Rethinking Property and Side Income]]> We explore how to transform your yard from a money drain into an income-generating asset through innovative gardening approaches and direct sales to restaurant chefs.

• Modern properties now cost money rather than generate income, from expensive driveways to high-maintenance lawns
• Microgreens business proved unprofitable at farmers markets due to hidden labor costs and time commitment 
• "Cut-and-come-again" garden model allows chefs to harvest their own produce, paying by weight with an honor system
• Raised bed hugelkultur gardening offers an ergonomic solution for growing that repurposes yard waste
• Suburban self-sufficiency isn't realistic, but even small-scale food production can offset rising grocery costs
• Victory gardens provide resilience against supply chain disruptions while keeping you close to home and family

Check out the Michigan Renaissance Festival this summer!


Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201666 Buzzsprout-17151714 1941 full 1 1 10 10 Tue, 13 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[The Gaming Ad Revolution]]> Trader Stu introduces an innovative advertising opportunity through PressXToPlayGames, a company developing a survival video game called "Get Prepped" that sells ad space within the virtual environment. The gaming industry represents a massive untapped advertising market three times larger than movies and music combined, with the average gamer being a homeowner in their mid-30s.

• In-game advertising costs $25,000 for the entire game lifespan (typically 5-10 years)
• Video games have 250 million gamers in North America with average age of 34-36
• No ad blockers or skip buttons exist in video games, ensuring ad visibility
• Businesses appear as "strongholds" or safe houses within the apocalyptic game setting
• Cost comparison shows gaming ads are cheaper than Google pay-per-click ($20,000/year)
• Players can virtually sample products before purchasing them in real life
• Gaming industry has 3.24 billion users globally, exceeding YouTube's projected 2.85 billion
• Trader Stu will appear as a character in the game at his Trading Post

Check out PressXToPlayGames on Alignable if you're interested in placing your business in the game world.

Press X 2 Play Games - Detroit, MI - Alignable

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201682 Buzzsprout-16852152 710 full 1 1 9 9 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[A New Era of Trading Connections]]> This episode examines the evolution of bartering and its relevance in today's digital landscape. We explore how technology enhances bartering experiences, promotes community, and provides economic resilience amidst uncertainty. 

• Introduction to the revival of bartering in the digital age 
• Overview of modern digital trading platforms and apps 
• Importance of fair trades and building trust in barter systems 
• Globalization of bartering and expanding trading opportunities 
• The sustainability benefits of practicing bartering 
• Enhancing community connections through bartering 
• The role of bartering in economic uncertainty and resilience 
• Innovations expected in the future of bartering 
• Closing thoughts on the importance of bartering in modern life

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201687 Buzzsprout-16469190 832 full 1 1 6 6 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Drones and Trade: A Journey Through Skies and Barter Systems]]> Imagine navigating the skies with drones and trading goods without a single coin exchanging hands. That’s the adventure we take you on with trader Stu as he shares his fascinating journey from the bustling world of commercial drone flying to the intricate webs of barter systems. With his extensive background in aviation, Stu uncovers the challenges of flying drones in regulated US airspace, especially near sensitive spots like Selfridge Air Force Base. Discover how he captured stunning aerial shots and even put drones to work in surprising ways like gutter inspections, all while dealing with the evolving landscape of regulations during the pandemic. 

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Stu takes us back in time, unraveling the history of trade from the days when salt and spices ruled the barter system, to the birth of money, and eventually the shift to fiat currency. Ever wondered about those conspiracy theories surrounding Fort Knox's gold reserves? We’ve got you covered. With insights into modern barter exchanges and the role of technology, Stu sheds light on the importance of meticulous record-keeping and tax compliance in barter transactions. Whether you're in Southeast Michigan or beyond, Stu offers guidance on exploring this intriguing world of trade. Tune in for a blend of historical wisdom and modern-day insights, guaranteed to expand your understanding of trade and innovation.

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201689 Buzzsprout-16294015 1205 full 1 1 5 5 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Bartering, For The Old Biz And The New...]]> Ever thought about trading your way to business success? Tune in as I, Trader Stu, share my journey into the world of bartering and the creation of the Trading Post podcast. This episode sheds light on the essence of bartering in business and unravels why some entrepreneurs embrace or resist this ancient practice. Bartering isn't just trading goods; it's about building a community, supporting local businesses, and engaging the younger generation to keep this vibrant economy alive.

Learn how to leverage the power of barter networks for business growth, especially if you're navigating tight cash flow. These networks offer a unique opportunity where marketing costs are aligned with sales success, making it a win-win for everyone involved. I share real-world examples from the lawn care and tree trimming industries, illustrating how established trust and proximity can unlock new business opportunities. Additionally, discover how trading excess inventory or services can transform potential business liabilities into valuable assets. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or an established business looking to optimize resources, this episode is packed with insights that could revolutionize your approach to growth and sustainability.

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201691 Buzzsprout-16172972 1564 full 1 1 4 4 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[Recession-Proof Your Business: Leveraging Trade Groups for Stability and Growth]]> What if improving your podcasting skills could double your marketing impact? Join me, Trader Stu, as I share my personal journey of navigating the ups and downs of podcast production. From battling audio glitches to realizing the balance between comfort and sound quality, my story is filled with lessons learned and practical tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls of budding podcasters like myself. Discover how embracing imperfection and focusing on simplicity can lead to a more authentic and effective podcasting experience. 

But that's not all—our conversation takes a turn toward exploring the power of bartering, a potent strategy for businesses facing economic challenges. Uncover how joining trade associations can help you conserve cash, utilize your resources more effectively, and grow your network without a dime. By leveraging barter systems, businesses—whether in service industries or startups—can access essential goods and services, reduce debt collection woes, and even offset marketing costs. With real-life examples and actionable strategies, we explore how bartering can be your secret weapon to maintain operations and thrive when financial resources are tight. Tune in to elevate your entrepreneurial game by mastering both podcasting and bartering in these trying times.

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201693 Buzzsprout-16093550 1316 full 1 1 3 3 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA[My Origin Story]]> What if you could transform a hobby into a thriving business during an economic downturn? This episode promises a fascinating journey through the world of career transitions and entrepreneurship. We start by exploring a compelling shift from YouTube to podcasting, driven by the challenges of unpaid work and the chance to dive into the unique niche of trade and barter. With deep roots in a family legacy of entrepreneurship in Michigan, we bring you insights on the evolution of traditional barter systems and the benefits of modern trade exchanges.

Throughout the episode, we weave personal tales of adaptability, like how a high-end DJI Maverick Enterprise drone bought for events found new life in gutter inspections during the 2020 lockdown. This led to ventures in growing microgreens and other entrepreneurial pursuits at farmer's markets. Our diverse career paths are further enriched by experiences in the military as a special ops mechanic and flight engineer, and a pursuit of education at institutions such as Embry-Riddle and Thomas Edison State College. The journey underscores a persistent quest to align passions, skills, and financial expectations.

Finally, we reflect on the unexpected success of selling microgreens and the impactful return to the Metro Trading Association as a sales manager. Drawing inspiration from trading posts of old, we introduce "The Trading Post" podcast, where the goal is to offer practical insights for business owners. This episode also explores the importance of face-to-face interactions in podcasting and the intriguing dynamics between recessions and trading, setting the stage for future conversations that promise to be just as enlightening.

Send us Fan Mail

Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201695 Buzzsprout-16055439 2140 full 1 1 2 2 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:00:00 GMT false <![CDATA["The Pitch"]]> Unlock the secret to boosting your business with the power of barter! Ever wondered how you can conserve cash while still acquiring essential goods and services? Tune in to Episode 0, "The Pitch," where I, Trader Stu, sales manager of Metro Trading Association (MTA), introduce you to a revolutionary way of doing business. Learn how MTA helps businesses like yours lower overhead and enhance profits by using trade dollars instead of cash. This episode sheds light on our unique system that turns spare inventory and time into valuable assets, bringing in new customers and making your business thrive within an expansive network that stretches from Bay City, Michigan, to Toledo, Ohio.

Join me as I explore the dynamic benefits of our organized barter system. With trade dollars working like magic, you can keep your cash reserves intact and still expand your marketing reach through exclusive territories, newsletters, and our annual trade show. I describe a real-life example of how accepting trade customers not only introduces new clientele but also improves cash flow. Discover how our user-friendly app handles transactions effortlessly, turning potential downtime into a profitable opportunity. Feel the power of a community that supports each other, making every transaction a stepping stone to future growth. Don't miss out on unlocking a world of business possibilities beyond traditional chambers of commerce!

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Presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival — Experience a day of food, shopping, artisans, live entertainment, and jousting in Holly, Michigan. Open weekends August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday. Learn more and get tickets at MichRenFest.com. 

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Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
    The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
    For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
 📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-trading-post/3201699 Buzzsprout-16003002 570 full 1 1 1 1 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMT false