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Proofing Stage

Proofing Stage

Written by: Joan Kanner Michelle Bond
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About this listen

Proofing Stage examines the origins, progress, struggles, and setbacks of entrepreneurs through the lens of its founders, who, among other things, have run a bagel business for the past 8 years.

This podcast is about our experiences and the nitty gritty of being an underrepresented small business owner.

Just like we've worked to fill the gap in quality bagels, lox, and schmear, these conversations fill the gap of knowledge, mentorship, and straight talk that are missing from other business pods and success stories.

Join us, as we share wins and cautionary tales from that space between “atta girl” and “I told you so!” Hosted by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond, with Season 1 contributions from Amanda Schwarz.

© 2025 Proofing Stage Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Trailer 1.0

    Trailer 1.0
    Dec 4 2023
    Welcome to Proofing Stage. We're here for it. And, you're in for a treat.

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    1 min
  • "So, why are we doin' this?"

    "So, why are we doin' this?"
    Dec 6 2023

    Michelle and Joan are doers. They don't just have ideas, they go after them - sometimes too hard and for too long. Sometimes to great success and following. This first episode of Proofing Stage lays the groundwork for why, after a professional lifetime of going after things, creating and improving, it's time to take a look back and figure out where to go from here. And, why doing it with others is the only way to do it.

    As the episode title suggests, we answer the question: "Why are we doin' the podcast?"

    Together with our host, Amanda, the answer includes:

    • Capturing years of entrepreneurship
    • Shining a light on the challenging experiences we face as minority business owners
    • Describing what Michelle and Joan did before the bagel biz
    • Explaining how businesses reflect their founders
    • Demonstrating what goes into a minimally viable product
    • Fostering community
    • Talking about how others perceive your dreams
    • To open up our networks
    • Highlighting mistakes for others to learn from
    • Because the hustle and grind wants to keep us from communing
    • Along the way, you learn more about Joan, Michelle and Amanda.
    • And, yes, Michelle explains the significance of this pod's name.

    CW: Seasoned with explicit language

    Links:

    Fugue the App

    "Descent into Sadness" (Fugue app commercial)

    "Through the Ages" (Fugue app commercial)

    Karmic Messenger

    Bottoms Up Bagels

    Theme music by Thorn Haze
    Artwork by Lisa Orye

    Find more at proofingstage.com
    Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

    Join Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!

    See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.
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    44 mins
  • BONUS: Why We're Really Doing this Pod

    BONUS: Why We're Really Doing this Pod
    Dec 11 2023

    Joan shares why the Proofing Stage pod is important to her, and to us.


    Find more at proofingstage.com
    Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

    Join Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!

    See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
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