Truth in the Barrel: Episode Summary – "Small Batch | Orange Monday Hits Home"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

Hosts:

• Amy McGrath
• Denver Riggleman

Introduction

In this episode of Truth in the Barrel: Small Batch, hosts Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman delve into the pressing issue of tariffs and their profound impact on small businesses in the United States. Drawing from their personal experiences and expertise, especially Denver’s firsthand challenges as a small business owner, the discussion sheds light on the broader economic implications of tariff policies.

Tariffs and Their Immediate Impact on Small Businesses

The episode opens with Amy introducing the topic of tariffs and their serious consequences for small businesses. Denver immediately shares his personal frustrations:

Denver Riggleman [00:27]: "Amy, I'm not happy... when you see instability at this level, talking about tariffs that can affect manufacturing supply chains all over the country, there's absolute terror."

Denver elaborates on how tariffs have directly affected his family-owned Silverback Distillery in Affton, Virginia. He recounts the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including surcharges and disrupted supply chains, which nearly led to the business's closure. Although they managed to survive by stockpiling inventory, the recent retroactive tariff charges have exacerbated their financial strain.

Denver Riggleman [01:37]: "Our bottle prices went from $1.01 a bottle to $1.55."

Economic Uncertainty and Supply Chain Disruptions

Amy and Denver discuss the broader economic instability caused by uncertain tariff policies. Amy highlights how the mere threat of tariffs has already begun to damage businesses, even before any official implementation:

Amy McGrath [04:09]: "The uncertainty of this... has cascading effects. Even if tomorrow he waved his wand and said, ah, just kidding, I'm not going to do these tariffs. It's already having a damaging effect."

Denver echoes these sentiments, criticizing the unpredictability of the current administration's approach to tariffs and its lack of understanding of supply chain complexities.

Denver Riggleman [04:50]: "They could buy our vehicles at employee prices... Guess what Ford just announced yesterday. We're gonna have to up our prices."

Consequences for Small Businesses: Employment and Pricing

The conversation turns to the tangible consequences of increased costs due to tariffs. Denver explains the dilemma of maintaining business viability amidst rising expenses:

Denver Riggleman [05:00]: "If I made up 54 cents on a bottle... Do you know how much I have to charge more for a bottle in order to make just that money back? $4."

He outlines the three primary strategies small businesses might adopt in response to such financial pressures:

1. Depleting Existing Inventory: Holding onto current stock until conditions improve.
2. Reducing Labor Costs: Cutting jobs to manage expenses.
3. Passing Costs to Consumers: Increasing prices to offset higher expenses.

These measures can lead to severe repercussions, including job losses and reduced accessibility of products to consumers.

Political and Legal Perspectives on Tariffs

Amy introduces a legal angle to the discussion, mentioning recent lawsuits filed against former President Donald Trump regarding the legality of imposed tariffs. She references Governor Gavin Newsom's lawsuit, which argues that the President lacks constitutional authority to enact such tariffs without Congressional approval.

Amy McGrath [06:36]: "Nowhere does it say the president has this power. All of the powers reside within Congress."

Denver supports this viewpoint, expressing frustration with Congress’s inability to resist executive overreach:

Denver Riggleman [08:19]: "...Congress shouldn't roll over and give away all of their articles of responsibility to somebody who doesn't know what he's doing."

This segment underscores the constitutional debate surrounding tariff powers and the potential for judiciary intervention.

Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

Denver extends gratitude to Amy for highlighting the struggles of small businesses affected by tariffs, emphasizing the real-life implications beyond political discourse.

Denver Riggleman [06:36]: "...cheers to you. Amazing. Thank you."

He encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by subscribing and supporting the show, reinforcing the community aspect of Truth in the Barrel.

Denver Riggleman [08:19]: "If people aren't actually subscribing to the show on YouTube or they're not downloading us on their favorite pod, they don't get to drink with us anymore."

Amy and Denver conclude the episode on a hopeful note, anticipating many more enlightening discussions to come.

Key Takeaways

• Tariffs Create Economic Uncertainty: The unpredictability of tariff policies leads to instability in supply chains, adversely affecting small businesses.

• Small Businesses Bear the Brunt: Increased costs from tariffs force businesses to either raise prices, cut jobs, or deplete inventory, each of which has significant negative consequences.

• Constitutional Concerns: There is a growing legal challenge against the executive branch’s authority to impose tariffs without Congressional consent, highlighting potential constitutional overreach.

• Personal Impact: The hosts’ firsthand experiences provide a compelling narrative on how macroeconomic policies trickle down to affect individual lives and businesses.

• Call to Action: Supporting small businesses and staying informed through platforms like Truth in the Barrel is crucial for fostering a resilient economy.

Notable Quotes

• Denver Riggleman [01:37]: "Our bottle prices went from $1.01 a bottle to $1.55."

• Amy McGrath [04:09]: "The uncertainty of this... has cascading effects."

• Denver Riggleman [05:00]: "Do you know how much I have to charge more for a bottle in order to make just that money back? $4."

• Amy McGrath [06:36]: "Nowhere does it say the president has this power."

• Denver Riggleman [08:19]: "We don't get to drink with us anymore."

Conclusion

This episode of Truth in the Barrel offers a comprehensive examination of how tariff policies are not just abstract economic measures but have tangible and often detrimental effects on small businesses and their employees. Through candid conversations and real-life examples, Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman underscore the urgent need for policy reconsideration and greater support for small enterprises navigating these challenging times.

For more insights and discussions, visit www.TruthintheBarrel.com.