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The Start Down

The Start Down

By Michael Ficara

We've all heard of the startup, but have you heard of the Startdown? What actually happens behind the scenes when you get to work? That's what the Startdown Podcast is all about. It's the grind, hustle, and drive that happens behind the scenes of the business you are creating.

Host: Mike Ficara
Michael Ficara
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EP-090 Mike Ficara speaks with Paola Rodriguez Licensed Health Insurance Professional

The Start DownMay 19, 2020

00:00
30:19
EP-129 Mike Ficara speak with Bryan Weinert on how to know when it is time to step back and let the team run

EP-129 Mike Ficara speak with Bryan Weinert on how to know when it is time to step back and let the team run

Do you make more money, or put more systems in your business? Which comes first? Find out on this week’s episode.

Mar 16, 202132:19
EP-128 Mike Ficara speaks with Arlene Borenstein about the importance of the local media

EP-128 Mike Ficara speaks with Arlene Borenstein about the importance of the local media

Storytelling is so relevant in today's social media and news landscape. No one understands that better than Arlene Borenstein! She has worked on-air from NY to DC to Miami and she talked about what makes a great story on this week’s episode! You don’t want to miss this week’s episode!


Host: Mike Ficara 

Guest: Arlene Borenstein

Mar 09, 202132:50
EP-127 Mike Ficara and Mike Teng talk about what makes substitute teachers great

EP-127 Mike Ficara and Mike Teng talk about what makes substitute teachers great

True story, I started my career in education as a substitute teacher. On this podcast I got to talk with Mike Teng on how he solved that problem!

Mar 02, 202126:46
EP-126 Mike Ficara and Jaris Tucker (CAP) talk about all things just being a great human and hating what you do!

EP-126 Mike Ficara and Jaris Tucker (CAP) talk about all things just being a great human and hating what you do!

Self awareness is so important. In this week’s episode we talk with “Cap” about leading this shirt that is your own mindset!


Host: Mike Ficara

Guest: Mike Ficara

Feb 23, 202126:55
EP-125 Mike Ficara talks with Manny Blue about why you need to get a life

EP-125 Mike Ficara talks with Manny Blue about why you need to get a life

YOU'RE MY BOY BLUE! So excited when I have a guest that brings the fire! Manny Blue and I have been connected for a long time on social media. He is a beast when it comes to financial planning. Excited to have him share his story on this week’s episode!

#GetYourMoneyRight

Feb 16, 202133:53
EP-124 Mike Ficara talks with Judy Laufer about how we all love children's books

EP-124 Mike Ficara talks with Judy Laufer about how we all love children's books

Seems like everyone is writing a book nowadays, but how many people are writing a children's book? It is not as easy as it sounds! On this week’s episode, we spoke with Judy Laufer about the process and how powerful reading to children is!

Feb 09, 202148:54
EP-123 Mike FIcara speaks with Sunil Godse about trusting your Intuition

EP-123 Mike FIcara speaks with Sunil Godse about trusting your Intuition

Trust your gut! How many times have you heard this? On this week’s episode, we discuss the science behind trusting your intuition and your GUT!


Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Sunil Godse

Feb 02, 202159:23
Ep 122 - Mike Ficara speaks with Angela Arnold from Sora about how digitial books impact our students. This is our first FETC 2021 virtual series

Ep 122 - Mike Ficara speaks with Angela Arnold from Sora about how digitial books impact our students. This is our first FETC 2021 virtual series

I will be honest I have never been in love with reading, but if I could have read like this as a kid I might have been! This week I spoke with Angela Arnold from Sora. This year I have partnered with #FETC to interview some of the amazing presenters and exhibitors at the first FETC virtual!

Jan 26, 202142:04
EP-121 Mike Ficara and Jeremy Sutton talk about why you need a book

EP-121 Mike Ficara and Jeremy Sutton talk about why you need a book

The great debate continues on this week’s episode! Is a book the best business card out there? Either way, Jeremy Sutton brings some great points about the power of a book on this episode of The Start Down Podcast!

Jan 19, 202133:25
EP-120 - Mike Ficara talks with Jackie Noelke

EP-120 - Mike Ficara talks with Jackie Noelke

Girls rule! We hear this a lot, and I have had the privilege of working with some amazing female entrepreneurs that make a big impact. On this week's episode we cover marketing and the female entrepreneur.

Who is your favorite female entrepreneur?

Jan 12, 202135:46
EP-119 Mike Ficara talks about what made 2020 great and what will make 2021 even better

EP-119 Mike Ficara talks about what made 2020 great and what will make 2021 even better

It has been interesting having the New Year fall at the end of the end of the week. I know I for one found it hard to get started on the new year, without falling back into the routine if you will. On this episode we recap 2020 and look forward to an amazing 2021. This is not your typical oh wow look at what an unpredictable year it was! 


Host: Mike Ficara

Guest: Mike Ficara

Jan 05, 202119:26
EP-118 Mike Ficara and Andy Cabasso talk about how wrong we might be about everything

EP-118 Mike Ficara and Andy Cabasso talk about how wrong we might be about everything

Niching down is so important. That is why I love this podcast. As many of you are “pivoting” this year, think about going into a niche that you have the MOST knowledge about, so you can make the MOST money. Love this conversation with Andy on this week's episode about how he won by niching down!

Dec 22, 202038:26
EP-117 - Mike Ficara speaks with Mark Thompson about how to process payments and we got some football talk in

EP-117 - Mike Ficara speaks with Mark Thompson about how to process payments and we got some football talk in

Do you stop and reset your process to find what is best for your customers?

In this episode, Mark Thompson and I talk about finding the first value for your customers in the online marketplace.

Dec 15, 202031:49
EP-116 - Mike Ficara speaks with Rob and Kennedy about the power of e-mail

EP-116 - Mike Ficara speaks with Rob and Kennedy about the power of e-mail

I have to say these are two of the funniest guests we have had on the podcast. No surprise because Rob and Kennedy are two professional entertainers who also are amazing at email. On this episode you will laugh, cry and learn how to build amazing email campaigns!

Dec 08, 202048:11
EP-115 - Mike Ficara speaks with High Performance Coach Daniel Diaz

EP-115 - Mike Ficara speaks with High Performance Coach Daniel Diaz

It is the last month of 2020 and I could not be happier to be kicking it off by releasing this amazing podcast with coach Daniel Diaz. He is a true rock star and teaches why high performance is so important, but also not easy to achieve. We talk about all things hard and easy about entrepreneurship on this episode, and even talk about his amazing wife!

Dec 01, 202058:55
Ep 114 - Mike Ficara speaks with Luis and Luis Camejo and talks all things hustle, YES and Marketing

Ep 114 - Mike Ficara speaks with Luis and Luis Camejo and talks all things hustle, YES and Marketing

I am very thankful I had the opportunity to interview this week’s guest!  had a blast on this week’s episodes with the Bizbros! We talked all about things like good and bad investments in your business and personal development. Even how making some big mistakes never stopped them from moving forward!

Nov 24, 202053:04
Ep 113- Mike Ficara speaks with Jono Poon from accross the pond about all things digital, leadership and strategy

Ep 113- Mike Ficara speaks with Jono Poon from accross the pond about all things digital, leadership and strategy

Who is your target audience? If you answer every one, that is the kiss of death! It may be one day, but everyone starts with a specific avatar. This week on The Start Down, Jono Poon and I talk about why this is so important when it comes to social media advertising.


Host: Mike Ficara

Guest: Jono Poon & Mike Ficara

Nov 17, 202041:27
EP-112- Mike Ficara speaks with Daniel Gefen founder of PodBooker

EP-112- Mike Ficara speaks with Daniel Gefen founder of PodBooker

In this week's episode, I have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Daniel Gefen! Daniel is a man with some amazing stories about podcasting, business, and life. He recently founded one of my new favorite app PodBooker. 

Nov 10, 202050:26
EP-111 MIke Ficara co-host the Brand Ethos podcast and talks about what makes a great brand

EP-111 MIke Ficara co-host the Brand Ethos podcast and talks about what makes a great brand

Did you know The StartDown Podcast is not the only podcast I host? I also co-host 2 other business podcasts. This week we feature one of those shows! The Brand Ethos podcast is co-hosted by my business partner Alicia Laszewski and our two newest team members Ace and Anneliese. In this episode, we talk about what makes a brand authentic.


Host: Mike Ficara 

Guests: Alicia Miyares Laszewski, Anneliese Gonzalez, Andres Echeverria, Mike Ficara

Oct 27, 202029:52
EP-110 Mike Ficara speaks with Mitchell Phelan about The Conrad Challenge
Oct 20, 202019:07
EP-109 Mike Ficara speaks Ankesh Madan about The Conrad Challenge

EP-109 Mike Ficara speaks Ankesh Madan about The Conrad Challenge

This week Mike Ficara speaks with Ankesh Madan about The Conrad Challenge.  Ankesh told some amazing stories from his days in the Conrad Challenge, and his current role on the Conrad Alumni Leadership Council. He also shared how he got an investment from Mark Cuban without being on Shark Tank!

Oct 13, 202032:15
EP-108 Mike Ficara speaks with Julie Daniel Davis about the future of voice in the classroom

EP-108 Mike Ficara speaks with Julie Daniel Davis about the future of voice in the classroom

With the classroom changing, and “no-touch” solutions becoming popular in today’s classroom, this week we spoke with Julie Daniel Davis about the future of voice in the classroom. Not just any voice, we are talking about   Alexa, Google Home, and Siri! Check the link in the comments for this amazing episode.


Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Mike Ficara, Julie Daniel Davis


Oct 06, 202034:16
EP-107 I really did not want to do a podcast tonight

EP-107 I really did not want to do a podcast tonight

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to find other people who are excited about entrepreneurship. The real challenge is doing the work in the shadows and continuing to grow and move forward. 

Sep 30, 202027:10
EP-106 Mike Ficara speaks with Evan Stewart

EP-106 Mike Ficara speaks with Evan Stewart

This week we had a great conversation with Evan Stewart about what makes someone the real deal! As the social media landscape offers more and more coaches and trainers, how do you find the one that is right for you? Evan talks about this and much much more.

Sep 22, 202039:34
EP-105 Mike Ficara speaks with Justin Myers about staying focuses and having the right network

EP-105 Mike Ficara speaks with Justin Myers about staying focuses and having the right network

Heroes don’t just take action once, they keep on making things happen.   This week we had the privilege of interviewing Justin Myers who has an amazing story about real life pirates, giving back, and continuing to grow.   Check out this must hear episode:


Sep 15, 202043:43
EP-104 Mike Ficara speaks with Nicole M Hernandez
Sep 08, 202033:04
EP- 103 Mike Ficara Speaks with Seth Melendez of Ware Geeks Solutions

EP- 103 Mike Ficara Speaks with Seth Melendez of Ware Geeks Solutions

Had a great conversation with my friend, client, and CEO Seth   Melendez of Ware Geeks Solutions. Many people are starting a business as a   result of the pandemic. They look for accounting, business cards, and all the things you need. But at the end of the day, they leave out the most important thing, Data Security!


Aug 25, 202035:43
EP-102 Mike Ficara speaks with Daniella Platt

EP-102 Mike Ficara speaks with Daniella Platt

So many people have found the WHY on starting a business, now they need  the HOW. This week I had the honor of interviewing Daniella Platt who  gave some unique perspectives from the entrepreneurial world of fashion!  Check out this episode were we talked about the WHY and HOW of  parenting, business and making things happen!

Aug 11, 202046:60
EP- 101 Mike Ficara talks about the journey of creating 100 podcast episdoes

EP- 101 Mike Ficara talks about the journey of creating 100 podcast episdoes

In this week's episode, I look back on the last 100 episodes, I have had a lot of fun, made some mistakes, and learned a lot. Tune in to hear some personal stories and tips I've learned along the way! 

Aug 04, 202027:07
EP-100 Mike Ficara celebarates his 100th episdoe with a very special guest

EP-100 Mike Ficara celebarates his 100th episdoe with a very special guest

It has been a little over 2 years, but we have reached our 100th Episode. I have been debating for months what would make this episode special, and I could think of nothing better than interviewing the one person who has had the biggest impact on my life and my entrepreneurial journey...my Dad! I really hope you enjoy this episode as much is we did where we talk about how you define what an entrepreneur is.

Jul 28, 202050:21
EP-099 Mike Ficara speaks with Nhon Ma about closing the gap in access to quality content

EP-099 Mike Ficara speaks with Nhon Ma about closing the gap in access to quality content

Episode 99 brought the opportunity to speak with CEO and Founder Nhon Ma of Numerade. Their mission is to close the educational opportunity gap by unlocking and democratizing access to extraordinary educators and the content they have to offer. 

Jul 21, 202045:05
EP-098 Mike Ficara speaks with Nancy E Conrad about things out of this world

EP-098 Mike Ficara speaks with Nancy E Conrad about things out of this world

I have always been fascinated by space, and to think in my lifetime travel to space for everyone may be possible. On this week's episode, I interviewed Nancy Conrad who's late husband not only went to space, but was one of the few men who have walked on the moon! He first words when he stepped on the moon were a personal favorite of mine! In her husband's honor, Nancy started the Conrad Foundation which hosts the Conrad Challenge to give today students an outlet to shine! It was an honor to speak with Nancy! 

Jul 14, 202039:50
EP-097 Mike Ficara Speaks with Ladawn Townsend

EP-097 Mike Ficara Speaks with Ladawn Townsend

Confidence is the key to success. No one is a greater example of that than LaDawn Townsend of The VOS Group. On this week's episode of The Start Down Podcast, we talked about what it takes to take over a room, adapt to any situation, and be the change you want to see in this world!

Host: Mike Ficara 

Guests: Ladawn Townsend, Mike Ficara 

Jul 07, 202044:19
EP-096 Mike Ficara interviews Joseph Gannascoli

EP-096 Mike Ficara interviews Joseph Gannascoli

On this week's episode I had the honor of speaking to Joe Gannascoli who played Vito Spatafore on the Sopranos. Joe is not just an actor in the hit HBO show, but he is an accomplished chef and entrepreneur. We talked about how thinking outside the box can help you be successful in all phases of life! 


Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Joseph Gannascoli, Mike Ficara

Jun 30, 202023:14
EP-095 Mike Ficara interviews Zachary Babcock

EP-095 Mike Ficara interviews Zachary Babcock

Can people change, what does it take? It was a great honor to have Zachary Babcock from Underdog Empowerment to talk about taking control of your actions, and turning it into success. Zachary talks about how he went from hard times to create a 6 figure podcasting business. Don't miss this week's episode!

Jun 23, 202041:06
EP-094 Mike Ficara interviews Myq ”Success” Rodriguez

EP-094 Mike Ficara interviews Myq ”Success” Rodriguez

Ever wonder what it takes to be"Instagram Famous"? This week's guest on The Start Down Podcast has some answers for you! @myqsuccess manages some amazing IG and YouTube celebrities, and shares what you need to do to grow your audience.  


Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Mike Ficara, Myq Rodriquez

Jun 17, 202041:18
EP-093 Mike Ficara speaks with the leadership team from the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce

EP-093 Mike Ficara speaks with the leadership team from the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce

I had a great opportunity to speak with the Davie Cooper City Chamber on how being apart of the chamber can help your business grow! 

Jun 09, 202035:09
EP-092 Mike Ficara Interviews David Bertoncini for the Start Down Podcast
Jun 03, 202051:05
EP-091 Mike Ficara speaks with the H2duO from Rogue Water about everything you are doing wrong with water

EP-091 Mike Ficara speaks with the H2duO from Rogue Water about everything you are doing wrong with water

In this week's episode, I have the wonderful pleasure of speaking with the H2duO (Stephanie Corso & Arianne Shipley) from Rogue Water about everything you are doing wrong with water! 

May 26, 202053:05
EP-090 Mike Ficara speaks with Paola Rodriguez Licensed Health Insurance Professional

EP-090 Mike Ficara speaks with Paola Rodriguez Licensed Health Insurance Professional

In this week’s episode, I spoke with Paola Rodriguez who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners with one of the most important things they need right now, health insurance.


Host: Mike Ficara 

Guest: Mike Ficara, Paola rodriguez

May 19, 202030:19
EP-089 Mike Ficara was intervied by Luke Burrows for the Grow2Gether Podcast to talk about Should You Take The Entrepreneurial Path

EP-089 Mike Ficara was intervied by Luke Burrows for the Grow2Gether Podcast to talk about Should You Take The Entrepreneurial Path

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Luke Burrows as we talk about "Should you go down the entrepreneurial path?"


Host: Luke Burrows

Guest: Mike Ficara, Luke Burrows

May 12, 202030:07
EP-088 Mike Ficara speaks with Christopher J. Wirth from No Quit Living

EP-088 Mike Ficara speaks with Christopher J. Wirth from No Quit Living

In this week's episode, I have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Christopher J. Wirth is the Founder and President of No Quit Living, which is a Speaking, Coaching and Training Company. Tune in as we discuss how the pandemic has changed our habits, is slowing down positive or negative?

May 05, 202041:20
EP-087 Mike FIcara talks with Roxy Molina PA about your morgage during Covid

EP-087 Mike FIcara talks with Roxy Molina PA about your morgage during Covid

In this week's episode, we speak with Roxy Molina about the effects of Corona Virus on the housing market!


Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Mike Ficara, Roxy Molina PA

Apr 29, 202030:07
EP-086 MIke Ficara speaks with Erika Del Sordo on COVID-19 and business

EP-086 MIke Ficara speaks with Erika Del Sordo on COVID-19 and business

In this week's episode, I had a great time with Erika Del Sorto on her show talking about the impact of Corona virus on businesses big and small, and the best way to adapt! 

Host: Erika Del sorto 

Guest: Mike Ficara

Apr 21, 202022:10
EP-085 Mike Ficara speaks with Pete Vargas from Perfect Choice Roofing

EP-085 Mike Ficara speaks with Pete Vargas from Perfect Choice Roofing

In this week's episode, we speak with local South Florida entrepreneur Pete Vargas from Perfect Choice Roofing. We covered everything from our early days working together at Circuit City, the risk of starting a business, and the impact COVID-19 is having on local small businesses. 

Host: Mike Ficara

Guests: Mike Ficara, Pete Vargas

Apr 14, 202032:26
EP-084 Mike Ficara speak with Fullei Fresh and the Coronavirus

EP-084 Mike Ficara speak with Fullei Fresh and the Coronavirus

In this week's episode I have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Monica with Fullei Fresh! Tune in as we go over the amazing impact Fullei Fresh is having on the food industry. We also talked about the everchanging impact of the coronavirus on their business and urban farming.

Apr 07, 202031:30
EP-083 Mike Ficara talk with Tony Whatley about Corona Virus and creating a side hustle

EP-083 Mike Ficara talk with Tony Whatley about Corona Virus and creating a side hustle

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the Side Hustle Millionaire, Tony Whatley. While everyone is getting stir crazy with being quarantined from COVID-19 we wanted to talk about what that means for your business and how you can use this as an opportunity to create a side hustle. 

Mar 31, 202035:50
EP-082 Mike Ficara talks Corona...mostly because everyone else is

EP-082 Mike Ficara talks Corona...mostly because everyone else is

Let's be honest, this week is like nothing we have ever seen before. Corona virus is changing our world minute by minute. The questions of what is right and wrong to say, what we should buy, how we are working, how kids are getting their education and how to handle business is all up in the air. I give my humble entrepreneurial viewpoint on today's episode of The Start Down Podcast.


Hosted by: Mike Ficara 

Guest Mike Ficara

Mar 17, 202014:03
EP-081 Mike Ficara co-hosts the Brand Ethos podcast and breaks down the importance of a clear marketing message

EP-081 Mike Ficara co-hosts the Brand Ethos podcast and breaks down the importance of a clear marketing message

I had a blast co-hosting the first episode of the Brand Ethos Podcast. Brand Ethos CEO Alicia Laszewski and I break down the importance of marketing and having a personal brand.

Mar 10, 202012:44
EP-080 Mike Ficara speaks with Nader Hamda and Adrienne White of Ozobot

EP-080 Mike Ficara speaks with Nader Hamda and Adrienne White of Ozobot

In this week’s episode, I have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Nader Hamda and Adrienne White of Ozobot. They are the makers of robots that empower coding and STEAM education for grades K–12, tune in to hear more about how technology is shaping the future of education!

Mar 03, 202023:52