Everything Why

By: Mike Martin
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Everything Why, I’m your host Mike Martin. This is a podcast about the journey of an inventor and disruptor. I invent to because it gives me purpose and I disrupt because it’s important to question the status quo—not to create chaos.

    During this podcast series, we’ll unravel the 'whys' behind our actions—why we laugh, cry, work, do good, or sometimes stumble into darker paths. We’ll talk with fellow inventors and experts, along with people who have been a part of my life, both personal and professional.

    Join me as we uncover the essence behind every aspect of life, because in everything, there's a 'why' waiting to be explored.

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Episodes
  • Mopocalypse: The Dirty Truth About Your Cleaning Habits
    Sep 17 2024

    Why have traditional cleaning methods remained prevalent despite their inefficiencies?

    Mike Martin examines common cleaning habits and critiques the overuse of mopping. People instinctively push down on cleaning brushes, illustrated by a CEO misunderstanding proper use. Mopping, ingrained in media and culture, fails by spreading dirty water, turning grout darker. Through personal stories, Mike stresses minimal chemical use and robust scrubbing. He highlights calcium buildup from hard water and the pitfalls of mopping.

    Textured floors add complexity, worsening grime. Mike recounts his struggle with early cleaning jobs, leading to the heavyweight scrub brush invention. Initial investments yielded little, but innovation prevailed. He emphasized scrubbing over mopping, drawing parallels to effective teeth cleaning. Customer feedback steered product improvements. Studies in convenience stores revealed health risks, stressing proper methods over traditional mopping. The episode urges a shift toward rigorous cleaning practices, boosting both sanitation and morale. For more, visit capitalismtocause.com.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Traditional cleaning methods, such as mopping, are often ineffective. They spread contaminants rather than clean, leading to unsanitary conditions over time. This results in aesthetic deterioration and can pose public health risks.
    2. Innovation in tool design, like the heavyweight scrub brush, can greatly enhance cleaning efficiency. Weighted brushes reduce physical strain and improve results, emphasizing the need for practical solutions that offer tangible improvements over traditional methods.
    3. Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining public health. Ineffective cleaning tools and practices not only fail to clean but can also increase contamination risks, as evidenced by studies showing the spread of bacteria like E. Coli through improper mopping.
    4. Experiencing early struggles and failures can lead to significant personal innovation and professional development. Mike’s journey from manual scrubbing to developing an efficient cleaning tool highlights the importance of persistence and continuous improvement.
    5. Continuous feedback and market adaptation are essential for long-term success. The iterative improvements based on customer feedback and addressing convenience and durability issues helped make the heavyweight scrub brush a lasting and effective product.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Floors got dirty quickly despite hard work.
    04:42 Restricted airflow renders masks, vacuum cleaners ineffective.
    06:51 Mops and Swiffers smear, not clean floors.
    09:38 Black grout reappeared while cleaning old tiles.
    15:28 Pushing and pulling is revolutionary mopping technique.
    16:44 White grout turns whiter from floor cleaning.
    20:16 Clean bricks appeared chalky, supervisor unhappy, defended.
    24:38 Toilet flushing spreads bacteria-laden aerosol everywhere.
    26:29 Restaurant dirt accumulates from inadequate regular cleaning.
    29:57 Fast food jobs are ruining our kids.
    33:28 Everyone has their own perspective and struggles.
    36:47 Clean to save money and prevent accidents.

    Support the show: https://missemmasretreat.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    39 mins
  • How Digital Paths Shape Racial Perceptions
    Sep 3 2024

    Why is it important to address white identity in conversations about racial justice?

    In this episode of Everything Why, Mike Martin talks with Christine Saxman, co-author of Being White Today. Saxman shares the motivation behind writing the book, emphasizing the need to reclaim white identity from far-right extremists. She explains how her work, along with co-author Shelley Tochluk, aims to help white people develop a healthy racial identity. The conversation includes discussions about the impact of algorithms on radicalization, the importance of cross-racial solidarity, and practical steps for white individuals to engage in racial justice work.

    Mike reflects on his own experiences and reactions to the book's content, discussing the broader implications of racial justice. The episode highlights the importance of slowing down to build curiosity and emotional resilience. Christine underscores the need for collective efforts and cross-racial relationships in fostering a more inclusive society.

    Being White Today is available now, wherever books are sold.

    Five Key Takeaways

    1. Christine Saxman and her co-author Shelley Tochluk aim to guide white people in developing a positive and healthy white racial identity to prevent it from being co-opted by white nationalists. Acknowledging and embracing white identity within a broader context of racial justice and equity is crucial.
    2. Discussing race, especially from a white perspective, can often be uncomfortable and met with resistance. However, it is essential to create a space where it is acceptable to talk about white identity and its implications in a non-defensive and open manner to move towards a healthy multiracial democracy.
    3. The influence of media and online algorithms in radicalizing young white individuals, as illustrated by the example of Dylann Roof, highlights the importance of critically engaging with media content and providing guidance to young people to avoid extremist content.
    4. Building cross-racial relationships is vital for achieving racial equality and understanding. By fostering genuine connections across races, individuals can develop a more nuanced understanding of systemic racism and work collaboratively towards a fairer society.
    5. Individual effort is critical, but collective action and community support are essential in addressing systemic racism. Collaborating within and across racial groups helps in building emotional resilience and creating sustained impact in racial justice work.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Authors tackle promoting healthy white racial identity.
    05:42 Not trained to listen, we lack understanding.
    06:57 Racism exists on all sides politically.
    11:37 Dylan Roof's radicalization through online algorithms discussed.
    13:49 Learning from TV and societal impact.
    17:48 Debate over internet influence and book recommendations.
    19:53 Embrace white identity and promote racial solidarity.
    24:00 Surprising, informative book with emotional impact.

    Support the show: https://missemmasretreat.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    26 mins
  • Sailing Through Innovation: Scrub Brushes, Wine Buckets, and Giving
    Aug 20 2024

    The following is a rebroadcast of Mike Martin's previous appearance on The Harvest Growth Podcast.

    How do innovative products impact commercial cleaning and hospitality industries?

    Mike Martin and John LaClare dive into Mike's journey as an inventor during this episode.

    They discuss the story behind Mike’s invention of the heavyweight scrub brush, highlighting its utility for commercial cleaning. The scrub brush addressed the issues of slick floors in restaurants and offered a more efficient cleaning solution than traditional methods.

    Moving from cleaning innovations, they explore the Coolin' Curve, a wine bucket designed to keep bottles festively chilled without the mess of melting ice. Mike explains the unintended benefits of the Coolin' Curve’s design, including reduced sweating on tables. The conversation rounds out with Mike’s dedication to charity work, detailing his initiative to take cancer patients sailing through his organization, Capitalism to Cause. The episode emphasizes the importance of blending business success with meaningful service to the community.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful products often stem from personal experiences and identified needs. Mike Martin's inventions, such as the heavy scrub brush and the cooling curve, were born out of necessity to solve practical problems he encountered personally.

    2. Outstanding customer service is crucial for business success and can set a company apart from its competition. It’s not just about fulfilling customer needs; it’s about going above and beyond, reflecting a broader principle of service in life.

    3. Overcoming personal and professional challenges is integral to entrepreneurial success. Mike's journey through health issues and rehabilitation highlighted his resilience and determination to continue innovating and helping others.

    4. Businesses can have a positive social impact by integrating charitable activities into their operations. Mike Martin's approach of "capitalism to cause" demonstrates how business success can fund charitable endeavors, such as sailing activities for cancer patients.

    5. Products that enhance the quality of life and celebration, like the cooling curve, can create memorable experiences. The cooling curve not only functions effectively but also adds joy to social gatherings by efficiently chilling beverages and avoiding the mess associated with traditional ice buckets.
    These themes collectively emphasize the importance of innovation, service, resilience, social responsibility, and enhancing life quality in the entrepreneurial journey.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Created a weighted scrub brush for cleaning.
    05:41 New perspective on cleaning commercial bathrooms.
    09:23 Ice bucket ensures perfect drink chill, stability.
    11:34 Video marketer praises product's visual appeal.
    14:36 Meeting kid, granddaughter diagnosed, sailing with purpose.
    18:07 Mike is an inspiring example of service.
    19:53 Service brings happiness and drives success.
    22:54 Importance of excellent customer service for business growth.

    Learn more about Mike's inventions HERE.

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    Support the show: https://missemmasretreat.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    26 mins

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