Is it better to build a brilliant product or just market the heck out of an average one? Do honest founders win in the long run, or are deceptive tactics more profitable? And when it comes to success, is impact more important than money?

In this episode of Drip Trickle Flow Flood, we break down an article from Entrepreneur magazine that analyzes how 7,000 founders ranked the ingredients for startup success. Expect real talk, lived experience, and a few strong opinions (as always).

We discuss:

• Execution > Marketing? The data suggests founders who prioritize execution outperform those who lead with hype. But in a noisy world, does marketing still matter?
• The Deception Dilemma: Some entrepreneurs do build their entire business model on misleading tactics.
• Fame vs. Impact: Many founders are obsessed with looking good instead of doing good. But investors (and customers) don’t always care about your version of “impact.”
• Blunt Honesty Isn’t Always Best: Interestingly, the data showed that while honesty ranked high, blunt honesty ranked lower, suggesting nuance matters in communication.
• Consumers Have Power: While you can’t control every shady business model, you can make thoughtful buying choices and vote with your dollars to support what matters to you.

Whether you’re building a startup or just love analyzing founder psychology - this one’s for you!

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts

We’ve got merch! That’s right, Drip Trickle Flow Flood t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting.

Grab yours!

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.

So you want to write a book, but how do you actually publish it? In this episode, Melissa and Tony break down the three main publishing paths (traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing), share their own experiences navigating each model, and get brutally honest about the money, effort, and strategy involved.

Whether you dream of landing a book deal, distributing through indie bookstores, or owning the whole process from cover design to sales, this episode will help you get clear on your goals and pick the publishing path that works for you.

We discuss:

• The 3 main ways to publish a book
• Why your “why” for writing the book matters—whether it’s income, legacy, or lead generation, your goal should shape your publishing path.
• Why traditional publishing doesn’t remove all of your costs
• The pros and cons of self-publishing
• The benefits of hybrid publishing. Tony shares how he published his book this way and what he learned.
• Selling books isn’t just about writing—Melissa breaks down how she uses swag, bundles, direct sales, etc to generate income from her books.

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts

We’ve got merch! That’s right, Drip Trickle Flow Flood t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting.

Grab yours!

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

https://driptrickleflowflood.substack.com/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.

In this episode of Drip Trickle Flow Flood, we’re joined by veteran loan officer Gary Tice from Edge Home Finance. With over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Gary brings a calm approach and deep expertise to a topic that often feels overwhelming—home buying. From improving your credit to navigating loans as a self-employed professional to demystifying investment property financing, this is a must-listen for anyone thinking about buying, refinancing, or investing in real estate.

Key Takeaways:

• Credit utilization matters more than most people realize. Keep credit card usage below 30% of your limit at statement time to boost your credit score, and ultimately, your loan options.
• Self-employed? There are still plenty of mortgage options. If tax write-offs hurt your qualifying income, alternative documentation loans like bank statement or P&L loans can help.
• Have at least four “trade lines.” A strong mortgage application often includes multiple forms of credit—think car loans and credit cards—not just one or two.
• Don’t box yourself in with a 15-year mortgage. Gary suggests opting for a 30-year term and making extra payments instead. It gives you flexibility if life throws a curveball.
• Bridge loans are a game-changer. If you need equity from your current home to buy your next, a bridge loan can give you up to 12 months with no payment on your old home.
• The Fed doesn’t control mortgage rates directly. Mortgage rates are tied to the global bond market, and recent trends show rates improving, making now a smart time to explore refinancing or buying.

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

https://driptrickleflowflood.substack.com/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.