In this raw and unapologetic episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford, Ryan sits down with Ryan Stewman — “The Hardcore Closer” — for a no-holds-barred conversation about the real challenges facing entrepreneurs in 2025.
Stewman doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. He dives into how government policies, rising interest rates, inflation, and taxation are squeezing business owners harder than ever. He calls out the decline of accountability, the dangers of a comfort-driven culture, and why entrepreneurs must embrace discomfort to achieve true freedom.
From personal experiences with government overreach to firsthand insights on the current real estate slowdown, cash flow struggles, and economic ripple effects, Stewman and Alford unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines.
This episode is a wake-up call for every entrepreneur, investor, and self-starter who’s tired of excuses and ready to take ownership of their financial future.
💡 Key Takeaways
• The biggest economic challenges facing entrepreneurs today
• How rising interest rates and tax policies affect small businesses and real estate
• The importance of accountability, resilience, and facing hard truths
• How government regulations stifle innovation and business growth
• The impact of cultural shifts on motivation and productivity
• Practical ways to improve cash flow and adapt to high-cost environments
• Why pain can be the most powerful motivator for change
• The relationship between Fed decisions, unemployment, and market risk
• Lessons from Stewman’s personal journey through adversity and success
• The mindset required to break free from mediocrity and thrive
🕒 Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction to Harsh Entrepreneurial Truths
00:00:26 – Pain vs. Pleasure as Motivation
00:00:48 – Show Introduction and Host Credentials
00:01:10 – Breaking Free from Average
00:01:42 – Fighting the Force of Average
00:02:25 – Government Intervention in Business
00:02:49 – Economic Boom and Policy Lag
00:03:51 – Decline of Common Sense and Accountability
00:05:32 – Business Climate and Real Estate Challenges
00:06:38 – Taxation and Cash Flow Struggles
00:07:29 – Rising Costs and Impact on Trucking
00:08:19 – Health Insurance and Real Income
00:09:18 – Stalled Real Estate and Economic Ripple Effects
00:09:39 – Real Estate Agent and Lending Market Stats
00:10:13 – Personal Real Estate Experiences
00:11:11 – Cost of Living for Everyday People
00:11:17 – Federal Reserve Rate Cuts and Market Risks
00:12:31 – Critique of Policy and Interest Rate Decisions
00:13:22 – Truth, Accountability, and Motivation
00:14:36 – Social Media and Contact Information
00:14:54 – Show Closing and Where to Find More
🎙️ Quote from Ryan Stewman:
“You can’t build real wealth in comfort. Pain is the price of progress, and most people are too scared to pay it.”
🔥 Why Watch:
If you’re serious about building wealth and taking control of your business, this episode will challenge your mindset and sharpen your perspective. Learn how to navigate today’s unstable economy, protect your assets, and break free from mediocrity — straight from one of entrepreneurship’s most outspoken voices.
👉 Subscribe to Right About Now with Ryan Alford for more unfiltered insights from top entrepreneurs, creators, and industry leaders.
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