Podcast Title: Marriage and Martinis
Hosts: Danielle & Adam
Episode: Big Dreams, Small Business
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In the “Big Dreams, Small Business” episode of Marriage and Martinis, hosts Danielle and Adam delve into their journey of launching a new small business at the age of 48. They candidly discuss the motivations, challenges, and familial dynamics involved in stepping away from established paths to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. The episode also touches upon broader economic factors impacting small businesses, personal growth, and the evolution of their podcast.

Why Start a New Business Now?

Adam kicks off the conversation by expressing excitement about embarking on a new business venture alongside Danielle. He reflects on the importance of not feeling too old to chase one’s dreams, stating:

“It’s never too late. It’s never think that you're getting too old or the thing that you want to do...”
[00:32]

Danielle echoes this sentiment, highlighting her passion for podcasting and how it has branched into other ventures:

“For me, I feel like I have, you know, I had already found sort of what I... have the social media component...”
[02:30]

Together, they emphasize that their decision to start a new business is fueled by a long-standing desire to create something of their own, leveraging the foundation they've built through their podcast.

Challenges of Starting Later in Life

The hosts openly discuss the apprehensions associated with starting a business at 48. Adam admits:

“I wish I was 10 years younger doing what I'm doing, but, you know, I'm not. So it’s, you know, it's do or die...”
[01:56]

Danielle adds depth to this conversation by exploring the gender dynamics in entrepreneurship:

“I think women... a large portion of women really in their 40s and 50s, and I would say even 60s, start fresh in a lot of ways.”
[08:26]

They highlight societal expectations and personal motivations, such as the desire for financial independence and contributing to the household, which often drive women to pivot and pursue their passions later in life.

Economic Factors Affecting Small Businesses

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the current economic climate and its impact on small businesses. Adam outlines the challenges posed by tariffs and inflation:

“There's the whole family dynamic... tariffs and the inflation... supply shortages, there's going to be price increases...”
[17:16]

However, Adam also identifies opportunities arising from the closure of competitors like Party City:

“There's a huge opportunity for... because that makes our stores... a huge opportunity to go after now.”
[16:01]

Danielle underscores how economic shifts create both hurdles and openings for new businesses, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic planning.

Transformation and Evolution of Their Podcast

Reflecting on the growth of their podcast, Danielle discusses how “Marriage and Martinis” has evolved beyond its original scope:

“It's not about podcasting. It's not about social media. It's about... curating a feeling and a space...”
[50:15]

Adam concurs, noting the maturation of their content to address more relevant and pressing issues:

“We can't go... how many episodes can we have talking about how annoying our kids are?... that's how we evolved.”
[51:03]

This evolution signifies a shift from lighthearted discussions to more impactful conversations that resonate with their audience’s current experiences and challenges.

Personal Insights and Growth

The episode delves deep into personal growth and self-discovery. Danielle shares her realization of her strength in creating supportive communities:

“My superpower is to make people feel embraced... creating a space where they're like, okay, this feels...”
[46:16]

Meanwhile, Adam opens up about recognizing his ADHD and the importance of focus:

“I think that was the first time I was ever like, yeah, ADHD is real with her.”
[40:43]

Their candid discussions highlight the intricate balance between personal well-being and professional endeavors, showcasing their commitment to self-improvement and mutual support.

Future Plans and Excitement

Looking ahead, Adam and Danielle express excitement about their upcoming store launch. Adam shares his enthusiasm for starting something from scratch:

“I enjoy starting over. I enjoy starting from scratch...”
[30:04]

Danielle emphasizes the collaborative nature of their new venture:

“We know each other's expectations... we're taking it to another level...”
[35:37]

They discuss the practical steps involved, such as renovations and securing permits, while also highlighting the emotional fulfillment derived from building something meaningful together.

Conclusion

In “Big Dreams, Small Business,” Danielle and Adam offer a heartfelt and honest exploration of starting a new business later in life. They navigate through personal aspirations, economic challenges, and the dynamic nature of their relationship and podcast. By sharing their vulnerabilities and triumphs, they provide valuable insights for listeners contemplating similar journeys, reinforcing the message that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

Notable Quotes

• Adam: “It’s never too late. It’s never think that you're getting too old or the thing that you want to do...”
  [00:32]

• Danielle: “For me, I feel like I have... have the social media component...”
  [02:30]

• Adam: “I wish I was 10 years younger doing what I'm doing, but, you know, I'm not. So it’s, you know, it's do or die...”
  [01:56]

• Danielle: “I think women... a large portion of women really in their 40s and 50s, and I would say even 60s, start fresh in a lot of ways.”
  [08:26]

• Adam: “There's a huge opportunity for... because that makes our stores... a huge opportunity to go after now.”
  [16:01]

• Danielle: “My superpower is to make people feel embraced... creating a space where they're like, okay, this feels...”
  [46:16]

• Adam: “I think that was the first time I was ever like, yeah, ADHD is real with her.”
  [40:43]

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the provided transcript segments.