Main Street Matters

Inflation, Interest Rates & Small Business: What Happens Next?

How do decisions made in Washington impact Main Street America? Elaine Parker sits down with Caroline Melear of the R Street Institute to break down the economic forces shaping the future of small businesses. From banking regulations and lending access to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and global conflicts, they connect policy decisions to everyday economic realities. They also discuss the lasting effects of Dodd-Frank, uncertainty caused by shifting administrations, rising gas prices, Federal Reserve challenges, and why small businesses often feel the impact of regulations first. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why Gas Prices, Mortgage Rates & Inflation Could Crush the Economy This Summer

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney for a deep dive into America’s inflation crisis, rising gas prices, mortgage rates, AI job disruption, and the Federal Reserve’s next move. Carney explains why inflation is spreading beyond energy prices, how “demand destruction” could hit American families this summer, and why the Fed may not cut interest rates anytime soon. The conversation also explores the housing market slowdown, AI’s impact on jobs, soaring airline costs, and whether the economy is headed toward stagflation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How No Tax on Tips & Overtime Changed This Small Business Overnight

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Florida-based Caribou Coffee and Subway franchise owner Bill Mathis about how tax reform, no tax on tips, and overtime policy changes are impacting workers, hiring, and small business growth. Bill shares his firsthand experience operating businesses in both Florida and Minnesota, revealing the dramatic differences in taxes, regulations, labor costs, and economic opportunity between the two states. The conversation also explores inflation, gas prices, hiring challenges, franchise expansion, employee retention, and why pro-growth policies matter for Main Street businesses across America. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Reconciliation 3.0: The Budget Battle That Could Change Taxes, Spending & Small Business

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Daniel Kowalski, Director of the Herman Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation, to break down the high-stakes budget reconciliation fight unfolding in Washington. They explain how Republicans are using reconciliation to advance homeland security funding, spending reforms, tax relief, and efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Daniel also outlines what a potential “Reconciliation 3.0” could mean for small businesses—from healthcare price transparency and capital gains indexing to reducing federal deficits and easing borrowing costs. What’s next for Congress? Can Republicans deliver another major legislative win before the midterms? And how could these reforms impact Main Street businesses across America? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Andy Ross on American Rebel, Entrepreneurship & Patriotic Branding

Country artist turned entrepreneur Andy Ross joins Main Street Matters to share his journey from bow hunting and television to building American Rebel, one of the fastest-growing patriotic lifestyle brands in America. Elaine Parker sits down with Ross to explore how a passion for music and freedom evolved into a multi-industry business spanning gun safes, apparel, and American-made beer. From launching a brand rooted in faith and patriotism to scaling a company with over 200 employees, Ross offers a firsthand look at the risks, rewards, and realities of entrepreneurship. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Andy Ross turned a TV show and music career into a national brand * The story behind American Rebel and its rapid expansion * What it takes to compete in crowded markets like beer and consumer goods * The impact of inflation, regulation, and tariffs on small businesses * Why passion is essential for long-term entrepreneurial success * How to inspire the next generation of American entrepreneurs Ross also shares insights on building a mission-driven company, supporting American manufacturing, and why now is a critical moment for small business growth. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, small business success stories, or building a brand around American values, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.