Inside the Speakeasy Podcast - Your Key to Hidden Strategies & Success Stories from Top Entrepreneurs
Welcome to Inside the Speakeasy—the entrepreneur podcast that hands you the keys to rooms most never get access to.
Hosted by Eric Berman, this show is for founders, startup builders, marketers, and empire-minded creators who are done with surface-level noise and ready to unlock the hidden strategies, pivotal success stories, and raw truths behind elite business growth.
This is your key to the real game—the unfiltered conversations happening behind closed doors, at mastermind retreats, in late-night deal rooms, and during the “what the hell do I do now?” breakdowns that never make it to LinkedIn.
You’ll hear from the scrappiest, boldest, most unreasonably driven entrepreneurs in the U.S.—the ones who are scaling to 7–8 figures, failing forward, innovating under pressure, and rewriting the rules of success while no one’s watching.
No recycled advice. No fake “10X hacks.” Just what’s actually working right now—from people actually doing it.
Because let’s be honest:
You’re doing well.
You’re sharp.
But deep down… you know you’re still playing small.
So stop chasing comfort.
You’re not here for safe.
You’re here to evolve.
This is Inside the Speakeasy.
And once you’re in…
You don’t go back.
Inside the Speakeasy Podcast - Your Key to Hidden Strategies & Success Stories from Top Entrepreneurs
From Dot-Com Crash to Mastermind Magic: The Speakeasy Journey
Eric Berman usually does the interviewing, but this time, he’s in the hot seat as his long-time friend and business partner, Robert Poling, takes over the mic. They talk about how Speakeasy Mastermind came to life, the wild early days of entrepreneurship, and all the lessons they picked up along the way, including a few from surviving the dot-com crash. Robert, who’s built Brandetize into a powerhouse for scaling businesses, brings his sharp questions and insider perspective to the conversation. You’ll get a front-row seat to the stories and insights that shaped our journey together.
We get into the ups and downs of starting something from scratch and the strategies that actually made a difference. You’ll hear why building a supportive community is more than just networking; it’s a game changer for entrepreneurs. We also unpack what makes Speakeasy different, from our collaborative approach to the mindset of abundance we bring to the table.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a while, there’s something here for everyone. We share the moments that surprised us, the lessons that stuck, and the magic that happens when like-minded entrepreneurs come together. By the end, you’ll see how Speakeasy is a movement for entrepreneurs committed to growth and support, and not just another mastermind.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Welcome to Inside the Speakeasy podcast.
[00:02:08] The journey before the Speakeasy Mastermind.
[00:03:26] Market crash impact on startups.
[00:06:41] Entrepreneurial journey and partnerships.
[00:11:03] Entrepreneurial spirit and connection.
[00:12:30] Community building and networking.
[00:14:52] Entrepreneurial loneliness and support.
[00:19:15] Community and abundance mindset.
[00:20:56] The essence of Speakeasy.
[00:22:28] Misconceptions about masterminds.
[00:25:35] Measuring success in community.
[00:28:32] A global home for entrepreneurs.
Memorable Quotes:
"I learned for the first time the power of just being able to assemble and organize and connect incredible people and building community." [00:14:07] – Eric Berman
"That's when I know we're winning is when you hear more and more impactful stories of success that's happening." [00:26:52] – Eric Berman
Connect with Robert Poling:
Website: https://www.brandetize.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-poling-32068999
Connect with Eric Berman:
Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com