
A Stern Talk
Join hosts William Stern (@justwilliamstern) and Josh Massieh (@dontbuyrealestate) on "A Stern Talk," a podcast for business owners in the digital age. Dive into the lighter side of business and into topics like digital marketing, small business lending, and economic trends.
Latest episodes

Jan 5, 2024 • 60min
Part 1: From Brains to Bugs - An Entrepreneur's Unlikely Path
In Episode 6 (Part 1 of 2) of "A Stern Talk," hosts William Stern (@justwilliamstern) and Josh Massieh (@dontbuyrealestate) sit down with Riley Edwards, founder of wedocreepy.com, a pest control company. Riley recounts his transition from a fledgling neuroscience student to a pioneering pest control entrepreneur, blending insights from his religious upbringing including experiences like being a Mormon missionary in "Sin City”, to exploring his first business venture. Riley shares insights into the challenges and triumphs he faced while transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of a diverse skill set. This episode is a rich exploration of how varied life experiences can converge to create successful and unique business models. Don't miss this insightful dialogue, subscribe for more wisdom, and join us next week for the enlightening conclusion in Part 2. Share your feedback and topics you'd like to hear about on our socials (@ASternTalk)!

Dec 28, 2023 • 2h 3min
From Employee to Everbowl - Face to Face with Jeff Fenster
Dive into Episode 5 of 'A Stern Talk' where William Stern (@justwilliamstern) and Josh Massieh (@dontbuyrealestate) sit down for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Fenster, serial entrepreneur and innovative founder of Everbowl. This episode explores the journey of transforming from an unhappy employee to an entrepreneurial success. Jeff shares his remarkable story of resilience, detailing how he navigated the challenges of starting and scaling businesses, including his venture into the payroll industry and the inception of Everbowl. The discussion delves into the world of entrepreneurship, highlighting the crucial aspects of seizing opportunities during economic downturns, understanding the intricacies of equity-based crowdfunding, and the importance of relationship-based selling. It's an inspiring episode packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. Tune in for an episode filled with real-world experiences, strategies for business growth, and the mindset needed to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Subscribe and join the conversation on our socials (@ASternTalk) with your feedback and business owners you'd love to hear more about!

Dec 21, 2023 • 52min
The Art of Online Influence
In Episode 4 of 'A Stern Talk,' William Stern (@justwilliamstern) and Josh Massieh (@dontbuyrealestate) dive deep into the power of social media for business growth. This episode focuses on the transformative role of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn in creating impactful content and generating leads. They discuss the nuances of viral content, the art of engaging an audience, and the subtle differences in content strategy across various platforms. The hosts share their personal experiences and insights on building a brand, staying authentic, and leveraging humor to connect with diverse audiences. They also explore innovative tactics for maximizing social media algorithms and converting online engagement into tangible business results. Essential for real estate professionals, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs, this episode delivers a blend of humor, real-world examples, and practical strategies for anyone looking to harness the full potential of social media in business. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to create a lasting impact and drive success through digital platforms. Subscribe now and join the conversation with your thoughts and feedback on our socials (@ASternTalk)!

Dec 14, 2023 • 34min
Navigating the Digital Marketing Maze
In the third episode of "A Stern Talk," hosts William Stern of Cardiff and Josh Massieh from @dontbuyrealestate discuss the intricacies of building effective lead funnels and the balance between paid and organic marketing strategies. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities of digital marketing, the importance of understanding and leveraging multiple digital platforms for business growth, and the nuances of targeting and content creation for different audiences. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights for entrepreneurs and marketers aiming to optimize their online presence and lead generation tactics. It's a must-listen for those seeking to navigate the complex world of digital marketing and lead generation effectively. Subscribe for weekly wisdom, and join the conversation by leaving a review and reaching out on our socials (@ASternTalk) with your thoughts and topics you're eager to hear about!

Dec 9, 2023 • 31min
Authenticity in the Age of Algorithms
In the second episode of "A Stern Talk," hosts William Stern of Cardiff and Josh Massieh from @dontbuyrealestate dive deep into the world of lead generation and the power of social media in business. Listen in as they candidly share their experiences with the pitfalls and triumphs of online marketing, emphasizing the significance of authentic engagement over purchased leads. They'll explore how platforms like Meta capitalize on user engagement and discuss the strategic pivot from traditional lead funnels to organic social media growth. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, harnessing the irony of social handles, and leveraging personal connections for business success. Whether you're a small speedboat in the vast sea of marketing or a major player facing the harsh winds of economic change, this conversation is tailored for anyone looking to sharpen their social media savvy. Tune in, subscribe for weekly wisdom, and join the conversation by leaving a review and reaching out on our socials (@ASternTalk) with your thoughts and topics you're eager to hear about.

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 1min
Humble Beginnings
Join William Stern, CEO of Cardiff, and Josh Massieh from @dontbuyrealestate as they share their inspiring business journeys from humble beginnings and real estate dynamics. Topics include market collapse resilience, career transitions, entrepreneurship spirits, and evolving market insights.