Episodios

  • Taylor’s Biggest CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Takeaways
    Apr 6 2026

    What really happens behind the scenes at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the world's largest construction trade show? Taylor provides a complete recap of his experience of the show in Las Vegas covering essential planning tips, the biggest industry trends like AI, and the personal moments that defined the show. As a third-generation construction business owner and podcast host, Taylor offers a unique view of the event.

    Many people attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG for the massive machines and new technology and the large scale can be overwhelming and feel impersonal. Taylor reveals a different side of the event, describing it as a "family reunion" where personal connections are the main event. A surprising interaction with listeners provided him with a new sense of purpose, showing the powerful community within the industry.

    🎯 KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

    THE UNCONVENTIONAL PLAYGROUND [03:37]:

    "Las Vegas is so hyped up…and it's that way for a reason. Because there's so much going on. You can do anything that you imagine or think of."

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG is more than just a trade show; it's an experience amplified by its location. Taylor explains how the unique Las Vegas environment offers opportunities for adventure and connection that go far beyond the convention floor.

    ⚠️ THE NETWORKING PARADOX [15:16]:

    "I never get to link up with everybody that I say I'm gonna do it, you know, because it's like you have so many prerequisites."

    The pressure to do everything at the show is a common pitfall. Taylor addresses the reality of an overpacked schedule and the fear of missing out, which can prevent you from having the most meaningful interactions.

    THE INVISIBLE MASTERPIECE [22:46]:

    "When I'm walking around there, and a lot of people might not even think about this process, it's like the amount of time it has to take to just the fencing, the barriers, the washrooms, the badge pickup sites... Incredible."

    Most attendees see the booths, but few see the massive logistical operation behind them. Taylor offers a new appreciation for the event by highlighting the immense, year-long effort required to build the temporary city that is CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Welcome to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Recap

    01:45 - Pre-Show Strategy & The Vegas Arrival

    06:45 - Taylor’s Awkward Encounter with David Blaine

    12:47 - Highlights from the Show Floor

    15:36 - Top Industry Trends: AI, Tech & Workforce

    19:56 - The Real Value of CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Community

    23:50 - Taylor’s Biggest Takeaway

    27:30 - Final Thoughts & What's Next

    Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

    #conexpo-con/agg #lasvegas #tradeshow

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    26 m
  • How a Small Town Excavator Operator Built a 500K Audience Being Himself
    Mar 9 2026

    Mike Simon - better known as Dirt Perfect - is back on the podcast today! Since his first appearance, Mike has grown his YouTube channel to over 500,000 subscribers, all while running his excavating business. In this live recording from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Community Zone, Mike sits down with Taylor to talk about what's changed, what hasn't, and why his "hobby" now earns more than his business.

    From the emotional reason he started filming to the practical realities of balancing brand deals with job site work, Mike delivers a first class lesson in authenticity. He and Taylor dive into why the trades are still undervalued, how social media is a powerful free advertising tool, and why knowing your "why" matters more than chasing views.

    🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    💰 YOUTUBE PAYS MORE THAN THE BUSINESS (AND THAT'S OKAY) [4:38]:

    "The crazy part is the social media world makes more money than the excavating business. So how do you balance that out, right?"

    Mike gets honest about the financial reality of his channel and explains why he intentionally keeps it a hobby to avoid burnout and maintain authenticity.

    👷‍♂️ THE TRADES VS. COLLEGE REALITY CHECK [13:06]:

    "One of the kids I graduated with is now the assistant principal at the high school... the reality of it is my salary is six times what his is."

    Mike makes a powerful argument for trade careers, explaining why schools are finally waking up to their value.

    🚀 YOU CAN'T PREDICT A HIT, SO JUST PRESS 'PUBLISH' [31:34]:

    "I bet you out of half of my videos that have really taken off, I probably considered not posting because I didn't think they were that great of videos. And the videos you think that are absolutely awesome and you can't wait for everybody to see just lay there flat."

    Mike reveals that the audience decides what's compelling, not the creator. Instead of trying to engineer a perfect viral hit, focus on consistently documenting your journey, because you never know which project will be the one to connect with millions.

    CHAPTERS:

    0:00 - From Excavator to YouTube Star

    1:59 - The "Why" Behind the Camera: A Father's Legacy

    4:18 - When the Hobby Pays More Than the Business

    6:20 - The Secret to Half a Million Followers

    7:39 - How Excavator Soccer Led to His First Brand Deal

    12:00 - Why the Trades Are a Smarter Career Than You Think

    17:19 - Advice for Starting Out in Business & on Social Media

    20:22 - The Dirt Perfect Origin Story (and Spelling Mistake)

    24:16 - Behind the Scenes: Content Strategy and Scheduling

    32:27 - The $10,000 Video vs. The $1,000 Video: How YouTube Pays

    34:43 - The First Big Paycheck & What's Next

    Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

    🔗 CONNECT WITH DIRT PERFECT:

    Website: https://www.dirtperfect1.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtPerfect


    #DirtPerfect #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades

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    34 m
  • Building Roads and Breaking Barriers with Ebony Jennings
    Feb 23 2026
    How does the youngest asphalt company owner in Wisconsin, and the only woman of color in that role, build a thriving business? Ebony Jennings shares her journey of honoring her family's legacy while forging her own path in a male-dominated field. She offers a direct look at the challenges and advantages of her unique position.Ebony explains why certain industry programs, designed to help, can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, and gives practical advice on how women can build the confidence needed to lead and earn respect. Her story provides a clear blueprint for attracting the next generation to the trades and succeeding against the odds.🎯Key Episode Takeaways⚠️ THE FORGOTTEN SOLUTION [09:28]:"I believe that if we put trades back into high schools like we did, or even as low as middle schools... We don't live in a world where they push trades a lot. You more so will see the four year colleges are being pushed. That doesn't work for everyone."This addresses the root cause of the skilled labor shortage and offers a clear, systemic solution to building a stronger talent pipeline for the future.✨ THE SISTERHOOD STRATEGY [19:10]:"That is where your village is going to come from. That is where your sisterhood comes in at. And you need that because you may not be as vocal as me or someone, another woman you know in your industry."Discover how building a strong network of women provides the support and motivation to find your voice, gain confidence, and claim your space.⚡ THE LISTENING ADVANTAGE [32:53]:"Come and listen to the women's perspectives... especially us women in this industry, it's majority men. So we're always listening to you. So come and just listen in with us as well."This is a direct call to action for male leaders to gain a competitive edge by understanding the experiences and ideas of women in their companies.Chapters00:00 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Is a Must Attend for Construction Pros00:54 - Breaking Barriers as a Woman of Color in Asphalt04:18 - The Real Impact of Minority Business Certifications09:19 - Fix the Skilled Labor Shortage by Rebuilding Trade Education12:00 - Use Social Media to Attract the Next Generation to Construction14:22 - What to Expect from the EmpowerHER Workshop16:22 - How Women Can Build Confidence in a Male Dominated Industry19:00 - Why Construction Sisterhood and Mentorship Matter26:58 - How to Prepare Your Team and Brand for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.comCONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up🔗 CONNECT WITH EBONY JENNINGS:Ebony Jennings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenningsasphalt/?hl=enInterested in hearing more from Ebony? Add the EmpowerHER Workshop to your CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 registration today! Limited spots available for this two-day event taking place Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7.#WomenInConstruction #ConstructionLife #SkilledTradeshttps://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20
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    33 m
  • Celebrating the Work That Builds the World with Mike Rowe
    Feb 9 2026
    Construction business owners face a massive recruitment hurdle. Society has spent years telling kids that university degrees were the only path to success - a message that has created a culture where manual labor is seen as a ‘last resort’. Emmy award-winner, creator and host of Dirty Jobs, and America’s leading advocate for the skilled trades, Mike Rowe, joins the show to explain why this labor gap is a threat to national security.Mike demonstrates why the construction industry must change how it markets itself to the next generation. Polished corporate videos often fail as young recruits can sense when they are being sold a lie. Contractors should focus on telling the authentic stories of their most successful employees in an effort that will help people see the wealth and pride available in a trade career.🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:⚠️ THE RETIREMENT GAP CRISIS [09:57]:"For every five tradespeople who retire this year, two will replace them. Five out, two in. Now, it has been that way for over a decade. And you don't have to be a math major to look at that and go, ‘All right, that ratio is not sustainable.’"Watch Mike share the dangerous math that puts national security at risk.✨ THE SITE COMPLIANCE TRAP [29:19]:"Safety is not first. If safety were first, there would be no one on the job site. We would all be home bubble-wrapped in our altered-states tubes."Learn how extreme rules lead to complacency and why common sense must return to the site.🧠 THE PRIDE OF UNSEEN WORK [49:14]:"No one sees his handiwork. He is 10 feet underground hammering out rotten bricks and putting in new ones to keep the entire sewer system viable so the streets don't collapse and run with crap. It’s a really important job and nobody has any idea that he is doing it."Discover the deep pride found in the vital work that remains hidden from public view.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Mike Rowe and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 202602:50 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Showcases the Heart of Construction05:59 - Technology Scale and Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Is Unlike Any Other Expo08:00 - The Skilled Trades Recruiting Crisis and Authentic Storytelling15:41 - Do Younger Workers Want to Work?19:31 - Scholarships Workforce Gaps and the Trades Talent Pipeline25:22 - Rethinking Training Safety and Competency in Construction35:55 - Why Apprenticeships and Early Exposure Beat Classroom Hours44:47 - Pride in Craftsmanship and the Art Behind the Trades48:31 - The Invisible Work That Holds Infrastructure TogetherThank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.comCONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up🔗 CONNECT WITH MIKE ROWE:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeroweworks/• Website: https://mikerowe.com/• Foundation: https://www.mikeroweworks.org/#SkilledTrades #LaborShortage #CONEXPO-CON/AGG2026https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20
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    49 m
  • Matt Stanley Reveals Family Business Secrets
    Jan 12 2026

    Raised on Blacktop’s Matt Stanley returns to explain how a family paving business actually runs. Most people think a large fleet means the owner is comfortable, but the truth is that the work feels fragile when you are in the trenches every day, and you have to ‘keep the main thing the main thing’ to stay profitable. Matt reveals how to grow a public brand without losing touch with the job site.

    Explaining that you need to master the balance between field leadership and scaling systems, Matt reveals how to earn respect on the job while stepping back to let the company grow. He also talks about the mental toll of content creation and why he dropped his brand manager. Get ready for a very real conversation about the hard truth behind the highlight reels.

    🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

    📈 THE EXPANSION COST [05:50]:

    “For a paving company, the end-all be-all is like paving highways and airports… and the deeper we get into these city contracts and state work… you kind of see like, ‘Oh, this is why my dad kind of shied away from this stuff’…the paperwork…the restrictions and everything.”

    Every contractor wants to move into the biggest projects. But those contracts come with heavy restrictions and night work. Matt discusses how to pick a path that protects your family life.

    🧠 THE HANDS-OFF METHOD [13:24]:

    "I see employees doing things sometimes where it's like, I would have done that differently. And now I'm like, ‘Don't say anything. Just let them do it.’ It's not like it's not coming out right. It’s still good. But you can't micromanage.”

    You cannot scale a company if you control every move. You must trust your operators to solve problems their own way. This shift is the only way to build a company that survives without you.

    🛡️ THE REPUTATION TRAP [23:03]:

    "When we work outside of our regular radius, it's like, you know, you’ve got a target on your back going out.”

    The public eye adds a heavy layer of stress to every project. People are often just waiting for a mistake. Watch this part to learn how to manage the pressure when the world is watching your work.

    00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 and PODCAST20

    01:21 - The Fragility of Growth

    03:38 - Scaling a Family Paving Business

    05:31 - Finding the Right Company Size

    08:17 - Hiring vs Retaining Crews

    09:24 - Leading From the Jobsite

    12:48 - Letting Go of Micromanagement

    14:33 - Respect vs Likeability

    17:53 - Creating Raised on Blacktop

    21:14 - Managing Public Pressure

    30:06 - Ops Before Social Media

    35:06 - Redefining Success and Burnout

    Hear more from Matt Stanley at the Building a Construction Brand Online: Tips from Top Content Creators education session at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

    🔗 CONNECT WITH MATT:

    1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-stanley-738295183/
    2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedonblacktop/
    3. Website: https://raisedonblacktop.com/

    #Paving #ConstructionLife #RaisedOnBlacktop

    https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

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    40 m
  • Building A Social Media Empire From Asphalt with Marvin Joles
    Dec 15 2025

    Most construction business owners believe that doing quality work is the only marketing they need. The industry is shifting rapidly, and competitors now use digital tools to capture attention and market share before you even get a chance to bid. Marvin Joles explains why staying invisible is a risk you cannot afford to take in 2025.

    You might worry that posting videos looks unprofessional or feels awkward to your peers. Silence and invisibility are far more dangerous to your long-term survival than a few early videos that lack polish. Marvin shares how he overcame the fear of judgment to build a brand that dominates his local market and secures his company's future.

    Learn how visibility protects your business when Marvin reveals the harsh reality for contractors who refuse to adapt.

    🔓 FEAR HACK [06:14]:

    "My mentor told me, 'Keep them up there so you can see how far you've come.'"

    See why your "cringy" early content is actually a valuable roadmap for your growth rather than a mistake to hide.

    🤝 NETWORKING TRUTH [18:35]:

    "We talk about work, the equipment and whatnot, maybe 20% of the time. But 80% of the time, we're talking about family."

    Discover the real ROI of attending industry events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG and why relationships matter more than the equipment you buy.

    ⚔️ COMPETITIVE THREAT [29:54]:

    "If you do not do this, a guy like me is going to come and pass you by."

    Marvin explains why ignoring social media is no longer an option for generational businesses and how young talent can revitalize your marketing.

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 – CONEXPO 2026 Kickoff and Discount Code: PODCAST20

    01:12 – Marvin’s Path From Asphalt Contractor to Media Voice

    03:51 – How Social Content Built a Thriving Asphalt Community

    04:05 – Creating Transparent, Trust-Building Contractor Content

    07:36 – Embracing Cringe and Evolving as a Creator

    10:38 – How In the Mix Strengthened His Brand and Business

    14:26 – Tech, AI, and Automation Transforming Asphalt Workflows

    17:28 – The Rise of Creator Culture in the Trades

    18:07 – Why Networking at CONEXPO Outweighs Everything Else

    21:39 – What First-Time CONEXPO Attendees Don’t Realize

    24:59 – Using AI to Plan the Perfect CONEXPO Experience

    29:26 – The One Thing Asphalt Contractors Must Stop Doing

    33:08 – Marvin’s Final Advice on Connection, Mentorship, and Growth

    Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up



    🔗 CONNECT WITH MARVIN JOLES:

    Website and Social Media: https://marvinjoles.com/

    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/in-the-mix-with-marvin-joles/id1822864102

    #InTheMix #SocialMediaMarketing #CONEXPO2026

    https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20


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    35 m
  • Family Values Built This Company with David White
    Nov 24 2025
    Scaling a family business usually requires preserving tradition and maintaining the status quo. But in a high-stakes, low-trust economy, clinging to the old ways of handshake deals and unchecked hours can destroy a company rather than save it. Taylor White sits down with his father, David, to reveal the hard truths about modernizing a legacy construction firm into an eight-figure powerhouse.The conversation gets raw as they revisit the friction of transitioning from a local operation to a modern enterprise. David explains why the era of doing business on a handshake is dead and shares the brutal reality of why he let Taylor reach a breaking point before stepping in to help.🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:📜 TRUST EVOLUTION [09:57]:"I never had a signed contract up to like eight years ago... Your word was your word. Then it got to the point it was like, okay, your handshake is your... that's what seals the deal. But today, yeah, it's definitely different."See why David finally agreed to rigid documentation to protect the company in a changing market.🔥 NECESSARY FRICTION [25:01]:"It's part of you being pushed to the limit that you step up, and it's like, ‘Okay, well, then show me what you can do”… If it was easy, that push wouldn't have happened."David reveals why he allowed Taylor to struggle to the point of quitting, viewing it as an essential test of leadership rather than a failure of support.🛑 THE FAMILY HIRING MANDATE [35:03]:"Don't bring them into the business and think from day one they're going to be working for me... They’ve got to go work somewhere else first. By that time they'll know what it's like on the other side."Watch as David breaks down the non-negotiable requirement for any family member joining the business.CHAPTERS:00:00 – CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 and Discount Code: PODCAST30 01:27 – Aggressive Leadership vs. Fear of Failure03:51 – Generational Mindsets on Failure, Ego, and Risk04:43 – Staying Profitable in a Recession Through Branding06:03 – The One Lesson David Would Tell His Younger Self07:02 – How Marketing Evolved From Yellow Pages to Social Media08:54 – Why Documentation Protects Contractors Today10:29 – Work Ethic Shifts: Old-School Grit vs. Modern Balance15:50 – Scaling the Business Through Structure and Systems17:54 – Navigating Conflict and Partnership in a Family Business20:53 – The Hardest Moment Working Together and What It Taught Them25:27 – How Family Values Shape Culture and Employee Support27:30 – Blurred Lines Between Work and Family in a Family Business30:34 – Defining Legacy in a Third-Generation Company34:57 – Advice for Anyone Bringing Family Into Their BusinessThank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.comCONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-upNEW at CONEXPO-CON/AGG! Hands-on maintenance training with industry-leading manufacturers, for those that want to: ✅ Reduce Downtime ✅Increase Equipment Reliability ✅Maximize ROI ✅Improve Efficiency Learn more & register here, space is LIMITED! https://bit.ly/4ovT50q🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVID WHITE:Website: https://kwconstruction.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-white-1a49a119/#ConstructionBusiness #FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-30
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    34 m
  • Taylor's Leadership Mindset for Explosive Growth
    Oct 20 2025

    Are you playing it safe in your business? Taylor challenges the conventional wisdom of saying "no" to opportunities that seem too big or too risky, revealing the game-winning mindset that separates stagnant businesses from those experiencing explosive growth.

    Many entrepreneurs believe caution is key, carefully avoiding projects that stretch their capabilities. But what if that hesitation is the very thing keeping you from your next breakthrough? Taylor breaks down a real-life case study where he took on a commercial job his team was completely unprepared for. The lessons learned from that single decision to say "yes" transformed his company's trajectory and can reshape your approach to risk and opportunity. Don't miss the powerful insights on how to push your team, build unwavering client trust, and master the art of being a leader who drives action.

    KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

    THE COMFORT ZONE TRAP [01:40]:

    "I had a friend… he's like, ‘I wouldn't go. I don't need to go. I don't see the value in going.’"

    This common mindset of seeing opportunity as an obligation is a trap. Learn why turning down new experiences and connections out of comfort is the biggest risk you can take for your career growth.

    🔑 THE DELEGATION DILEMMA [13:32]:

    "Most importantly, I need to understand how the business makes money before I can delegate and hand it off."

    This is the critical mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to scale. Before you hand off the reins, discover the one thing you must master to avoid losing control and profitability, a lesson Taylor learned the hard way.

    THE RESPONSE HACK [15:50]:

    "You know how many times answering an email late at night actually sped up a process?"

    Struggling with project delays caused by slow responses? Taylor shares a counter-intuitive communication hack that gets you to the top of the inbox and accelerates your project timeline by working outside of normal hours.

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: Discount Code & Details

    01:15 - The Success Mindset

    02:28 - Case Study: The "Too Big" Commercial Job

    05:06 - The Power of 'Yes'

    07:52 - Dealing with ‘Slowness’

    10:01 - Pushing Your Team

    13:19 - Learning Important Business Lessons

    15:30 - Finding People Who Drive Growth

    16:33 - Client Trust: The Key to Construction Management

    19:38 - The Utility Expo

    20:17 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Hype: Let's Connect in Vegas

    Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

    #BusinessMindset #Construction #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

    https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-30

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    22 m