Business is Bullshit
Business is Bullshit
Jon Tsourakis, James Hornick and Jared Gibson
Tired of the corporate BS, "gurus" and trends that don’t make sense? Same here. Business is Bullshit is our way of calling it out. Every couple of weeks, the three of us — Jon, James, and Jared — break down the dumbest stories, trends and personalities in the business world. We get into everything from broken work culture, bad tech takes to tone-deaf regulations, cringe “thought leaders” and anything “business.” No fluff. No hype. Just straight talk, real takes, and a little well-earned cynicism.
Uncertain Times Are Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*t
"Unprecedented." "Uncertain." "Challenging." Enough already. But in typical Business is Bullshit fashion, we rant about tariff’s and of course, the government makes a deal.  In this episode, we call out the most overused business platitude: “uncertain times.” From pandemic-era email templates that somehow still get sent to CEOs crying about tariffs like they’re brand new, we dig into why the phrase is lazy thinking and how it distracts from real strategy. We break down how some businesses are paralyzed by headlines, while others see opportunity in the chaos—especially if they’ve been paying attention before the shit hits the fan. Topics range from marketing during downturns, economic Darwinism, and “zombie businesses” that never should’ve survived, to leadership that either adapts or blames everything on the boogeyman of the day. Also in this episode: The myth of “certain” times Cleveland sports and greasy mustard sweats Direct mail's sneaky comeback Why some marketers should never touch a sales deck And a whole lot of yelling about Mad Men and mailboxes This one’s got heat, insight and more than a few moments we probably should’ve cut—but didn’t. Be awesome and subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: - Apple: https://bit.ly/3YOQrYT - Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4lHXLzk - YouTube: https://bit.ly/42q0vtM  
May 21, 2025
45 min
Guest Appearance: The Get Shit Done Podcast with John Morris
The Get Shit Done Experience asked to interview us.   Word is, Jared’s got dirt on someone — or maybe John Morris just lost a bet.   Either way, the host had his hands full.   Watching the circus is one thing. Getting pelted with elephant shit is another. But John didn’t flinch.    He juggled our three overly opinionated personalities like a seasoned Gibsonton carnival clown — and didn’t drop a single pin.   Here’s the description ripped off directly from The Get Shit Done Experience podcast:    In this episode of The Get Shit Done Experience podcast, John Morris welcomes James Hornick, Jon Tsourakis, and Jared Gibson, who bring a refreshing, brutally honest perspective. The conversation dives into topics like the pitfalls of surface-level content on LinkedIn, the growing irrelevance of 40-hour work weeks in the age of AI, and the importance of genuine personal branding. The episode oscillates between insightful business advice, personal anecdotes, and unfiltered humor. The guests share their journeys, discuss the influence of AI on business processes, and emphasize the importance of authenticity in content creation. The team also touches on the challenges of maintaining meeting efficiency and the significance of mentorship and impactful life moments. With a mix of laughter and depth, this episode is a candid take on navigating the complexities of business and life.   Check out our friends at the Get Shit Done Experience here: https://gsdxpodcast.com/   Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple: https://bit.ly/3YOQrYT Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4lHXLzk YouTube: https://bit.ly/42q0vtM  
May 6, 2025
1 hr 37 min
Pet Peeves Are Bullsh*t  | Business is Bullsh*t
What grinds your gears? Pet peeves. We’ve all got ’em. In this episode, we decided to air some out — the little things that get under our skin and make us question humanity. Some are universal. Others… you might judge us for. Fair enough. It started light, but let’s just say it escalated. When you're talking about the stuff that tears at the fabric of your soul, the language tends to follow.  So if there are kids around — crank it up and prepare them for a future career at sea or on a construction site. Either way, it’s honest. It’s messy. And it felt good to get it out. Drop your own pet peeves in the comments. Let it fly. This is the space for it.   Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple: https://bit.ly/3YOQrYT Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4lHXLzk YouTube: https://bit.ly/42q0vtM
Apr 24, 2025
43 min
Business News is Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*t
This week, we're ripping apart the garbage fire that is business and financial news. James, Jared, and Jon are back (finally) to tear through the headlines that are designed to scare you, confuse you and keep you glued to bullshit.  From the myth of stagflation making its annual comeback, to "falling satellites" that aren't actually falling on your head, we break down how most financial media is pure manipulation — and why you shouldn't let it mess with your money, your business or your sanity. They discuss how the media creates news out of nothing, how they curve-fit numbers to fit a story, and why critical thinking isn't just helpful — it's survival. Also: - Jim Cramer still sucks and gets roasted (deservedly) - Jon rants about PR manipulation (and bacon) - Jared tries to defend the American breakfast (he’s a fan of heart disease) - Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) gets called out for being disgustingly on-brand Bottom line: If you trust the headlines, you’re getting played. Hard. Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Apr 7, 2025
40 min
Buyers Are Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*t
We made it to episode 10.  Honestly, we weren’t sure we’d make it this far. But here we are. Still talking. Still calling out nonsense. And this time, we’re tackling bad buyers—the ones who make business miserable.  The puppy kickers. The worst humans. You know the type: the ones who think "partner" means "someone I can boss around." Who treat vendors like disposable napkins or who have mastered the art of ghosting until they need something ASAP. Some are clueless. Some are just straight-up awful. Either way, bad buyers hurt their own businesses more than they realize. In this episode, we dig into: - The power dynamics behind buying and selling (and why some people turn into tyrants) - The difference between clueless buyers vs. truly bad actors - How automated procurement and RFPs are ruining everything - Why courtesy in business isn’t optional if you want to win long-term Plus, we throw in some personal pet peeves (looking at you, people who think ignoring emails is a power move). If you’ve been a bad buyer—don’t worry, there’s still time to change. Jon did. And if you’ve dealt with bad buyers—welcome to the club. If you like our BS, subscribe. If you don't, tell us in the comments.   Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Mar 19, 2025
39 min
Movies & TV Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*t
In Episode 9 of Business is Bullshit, we dive into the only industry more bloated than corporate consulting—Hollywood. James, Jared, and Jon break down why movies used to be great, why they mostly suck now, and how TV took over as the superior medium—at least until HBO started self-sabotaging. From the fall of mid-budget films to algorithm-driven garbage, they tackle the business side of entertainment and why most new releases feel like AI-generated slop. They also share their all-time favorite movies and TV shows, debate whether Gladiator 2 went too far with CGI sharks, and reveal which streaming platform is still holding the line. So if you miss the days when movies had originality, good writing, and weren’t just vehicles for The Rock, tune in—this episode is worth the runtime.   Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Mar 5, 2025
40 min
H-1B Visas and Offshoring Jobs Bullsh*t
Think all these layoffs are about AI? Think again. Jon Tsourakis, Jared Gibson, and James Hornick dive into the real story behind the latest corporate cost-cutting spree—how companies use H-1B visas and offshoring to drive down wages while pretending it’s all about "efficiency." Spoiler: it’s not. But before that, Jon has a bone to pick with a sneaky little 4% tax still showing up on some Chicago restaurant bills. Also, why are Jared and Jon getting flooded with ads featuring insanely jacked old dudes?  Now, back to business. H-1B visas. Offshoring. And the big lie companies are selling right now. Luckily, James was there to drop some knowledge, educating Jon and Jared on how the H-1B visa system actually works—and how companies exploit it. We break it all down: 🔹 How companies manipulate the system to underpay H-1B visa holders 🔹 Why killing the program would actually lead to more offshoring 🔹 The long-term impact no one’s talking about And just to be clear—this isn’t a political conversation. It’s an economic one. Hit play, subscribe, and let’s get into it. 📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RiP4KNqMuEI Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Feb 19, 2025
33 min
Crap Sales Tactics Vol 1
Sumo oranges, Walmart’s logo “glow-up,” and sales tactics that should’ve died in 2003. Jon, James and Jared kick off with a breakdown of Walmart’s subtle logo tweak. Then, tear into the spammy sales tactics still lurking around, the so-called “predictable revenue” model, and AI-driven outreach that’s turning inboxes into dumpster fires. They also swap cold-calling horror stories, debating whether podcast invites are just sneaky sales pitches, and roasting vanity awards (aka the participation trophies of business). If you’re in sales, love sumo oranges, or just appreciate a solid rant, give it a whirl. Tune in because the business world is full of BS and these clowns claim to have the shovels.   Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Jan 31, 2025
40 min
Predictions Are Bullshit
In Ep 6, we dig into humanity's obsession with predicting the future.  From the psychological comfort it provides to the bad calls made by some of the world's most successful/powerful people, James, Jared and Jon break down why forecasting is a business expectation—and why it's often wrong. They also share some of the worst predictions they've heard recently. And since the clowns can’t help themselves, of course, they have their own predictions. And finally, they round out the final stretch with why the rise of AI might just make humans even worse at being human. It’s already having a profound effect on our hosts… So whether you’re a clairvoyant, degenerate gambler or a San Diego meteorologist, tune in and don’t take their advice. Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Dec 23, 2024
46 min
Sales Are Bullshit v1
Is it time to shred your perfectly crafted sales script? Do you find it difficult to breathe without spewing buzzwords?  Join James Hornick, Jared Gibson, and Jon Tsourakis as they rip apart outdated sales methodologies, expose the absurdity of AI-generated spam pitches, and share war stories from the sales trenches. This episode? Sales tactics that should’ve died in 2003. From "loss of intuition" to "harmonizing with the buyer" (whatever that means), the crew tears down ridiculous jargon and explores why real connection still wins deals.  Want to know how to turn that awkward cold call into a meaningful conversation? Hint: It’s not by reciting a script like a broken chatbot. Whether you’re a junior BDR trying to survive or a grizzled vet clinging to your Sandler playbook, this episode is for you. It’s unfiltered and packed with brutally honest takes you won’t hear on those other “professional” business podcasts. https://youtu.be/_f0vxpJEdCI Subscribe to The Business Is Bullsh*t podcast here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-is-b-t/id1769653675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xv7C9WFxZHeoARrm8EDc5?si=0904ef82bd204150&nd=1&dlsi=344a35219c164fed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessIsBullsht
Dec 10, 2024
30 min
Load more