The Bread Winner Podcast

I have been talking about Project Broadcast on this podcast for years — and in this episode, I finally got to sit down with the CEO himself, Jake Dempsey, for a conversation I have been looking forward to for months. If you have ever wondered why texting works so well for microbakery businesses, how to set it up, or how to use it in a smarter way, this episode is going to be a game changer for you.

Jake has been building Project Broadcast for nearly a decade, his platform has sent over a billion text messages on be...

It's the two-year birthday month of the Bread Winner Podcast — and I am celebrating from the road! My family and I are on an epic three-week road trip this July, and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring back some of the most loved episodes in the show's history.

We kicked off the month with Episode 132, where I turned the mic on my kids and let them share what it's really like to grow up watching me build this sourdough microbakery business. If you haven't listened yet, I really encourage you to — especially if you're a mo...

This episode is one of my favorites I've ever recorded — and I think you're going to love it too. I handed the mic to my two kids, Jamey and Lila, and we had the most honest, sweet, and surprisingly insightful conversation about what it's actually like to grow up with a mom who owns a sourdough microbakery. From the early market mornings to the ribbon cutting at the brick and mortar, they share their real experience — the good, the hard, and everything in between — and I think their perspective will encourage you more than you're expecting.

We talk a...

The Bread Winner Summit was incredible — and then I crashed. In this episode, I'm getting really honest about what happens after we give everything to something big: the pre-orders that don't pause, the follow-up emails that get delayed, and that nagging feeling of having overpromised and underdelivered. I'm walking you through why this happens (hint: it's not a planning failure, it's a best-case-scenario problem), and why building in a buffer — for prep days, for big launches, for life in general — might be the single most useful shift you can make this year.

This is also a permission-slip episod...

If you've ever wished you could sit in on a real, unfiltered business conversation with me, this episode is exactly that. I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing the live Q&A session from this year's Bread Winner Summit — our annual sourdough business conference — and it is a rapid-fire, honest conversation covering so many of the questions I know are on your mind. From time blocking and work-life balance to building a loyal customer base and navigating cottage food laws, we dig into the real stuff that doesn't always make it into a polished podcast episode.

In this...

In this short episode, I’m sharing why I believe the Bread Winner Summit is so much more than just another online business event for bakers. As I’ve been recording sessions and sitting in conversations with some of the most thoughtful voices in the sourdough world, I’ve found myself deeply inspired—not just by the practical strategies being shared, but by the reminder that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. Building a sourdough micro bakery can feel isolating sometimes, but this summit is designed to help you feel connected, encouraged, and equipped to build a...

In this episode, I’m talking all about navigating the transition into summer as a sourdough micro bakery owner and why this season can feel both exciting and incredibly overwhelming at the same time. Between changing family rhythms, travel, hotter temperatures, lower energy, and shifting customer habits, summer often asks us to reevaluate the way we run our businesses. I share some of the different approaches I’ve taken in past summers—from maintaining a steady bakery rhythm to intentionally scaling way back—and how those decisions supported both my business and my family in different seasons.

We also...

In this episode, I’m walking you through the three marketing channels I truly believe matter most for sourdough micro bakeries—and why trying to be everywhere at once is probably exhausting you more than it’s helping your business grow. If social media feels overwhelming or like you’re constantly posting into the void, I want this conversation to feel like a deep breath and a reset. We’re talking about how to simplify your marketing, focus your energy where it actually converts, and build a system that feels sustainable instead of draining.

I also share the market...

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the simplest shifts I’ve made in my bakery that has had a surprisingly powerful impact—and it has nothing to do with my bread, my menu, or anything I’ve purchased. It’s a small, intentional marketing practice that’s helped me build stronger relationships with my customers and create an experience that keeps people coming back. I want you to think about the places you love to visit and why you go out of your way for them. Most of the time, it’s not just about the product—it’s about how y...

In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most important shifts you can make in your sourdough micro bakery—and it has nothing to do with your recipe, your oven, or even your sales. It’s the shift from thinking like a hobby baker to thinking like a business owner. I walk through what that actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve found yourself saying yes to everything, underpricing your work, or feeling like you’re working really hard but something still isn’t adding up. If that sounds familiar, this conversation is meant to help you...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common frustrations I hear from sourdough micro bakery owners—feeling like your marketing just isn’t working and that you’re not being seen. If you’ve ever sat down to post and then talked yourself out of it because it didn’t feel “good enough” or “new enough,” you are not alone. I walk through what’s actually happening in those moments and why it’s not a creativity problem at all. Instead, it’s about how we’re approaching consistency and the pressure we put on ourselves to be clever, orig...

In this episode, I’m talking about something that almost every sourdough micro bakery owner runs into at some point—bottlenecks. Those moments where everything seems to be moving along and then suddenly… everything slows down, stacks up, and you feel like you’re constantly trying to catch up. If your bakery has been feeling harder than it should, there’s likely a bottleneck somewhere in your process. I walk you through the three most common places these show up—production, decision-making, and order intake—and help you start noticing where your time and energy are getting stuck.

We also talk...

In this episode, I’m sharing an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s been like transitioning from a home oven setup to a dedicated bread oven in my sourdough micro bakery. After a few months of using the My Forno oven, I wanted to walk you through what’s actually changed—not just in terms of output, but in how my days feel, how my workflow has shifted, and what it really means to scale your production in a sustainable way. Because if you’re in that stage where your business is growing and you’re wondering whether your current...

In this episode, I’m talking about something that almost every sourdough micro bakery owner experiences at some point, but we don’t often say out loud—the plateau phase. This is the season where your business isn’t struggling, but it’s also not growing the way it once was. Orders feel steady, your regulars are still there, but things have leveled off. And if you’re in that space, it can feel confusing. You might start questioning your strategy, your market, or even whether you’ve done something wrong. In this conversation, I want to gently reframe that for you...

In this episode, we’re wrapping up our three-part series on KPIs for sourdough micro bakery owners by talking about the how—how to actually look at your data and turn it into useful insights for your business. I walk you through a simple, practical way to export your sales data and start noticing the patterns that are already hiding inside your bakery. Because so often we rely on memory—remembering the busy weeks, the products that sell out, or the customers we see most often—without stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. When you take the time to...

In this episode, I’m continuing our three-part series on KPIs for sourdough micro bakery owners, and today we’re getting practical. Last week we talked about why paying attention to your numbers matters. In this episode, I’m breaking down what you actually need to look at. Because when people say “know your numbers,” that can feel vague and overwhelming. The truth is, you don’t need a giant spreadsheet or dozens of complicated metrics. In my own bakery, I’ve found that almost everything I need to understand about my business falls into four clear areas: revenue, product perfor...

In this episode, I’m inviting you to step out of the kitchen and into the boardroom with me. If you’re selling bread to real people and taking real money in exchange for it—even if it’s just a handful of loaves a week—you’re running a business. And that shift in mindset changes everything. We’re kicking off a three-part series all about putting on your CEO hat and learning how to lead your sourdough micro bakery with intention instead of emotion. Because when we rely on how a single week feels, we end up reacting inste...

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my January and sharing what the numbers, the menu, and the day‑to‑day realities of brick‑and‑mortar life are teaching me. Revenue was up again (which is encouraging in a post‑holiday month), but what really stood out wasn’t just growth — it was what’s driving that growth. From workshops becoming a meaningful revenue stream to core products continuing to anchor the business, January gave me clarity about what’s actually working and what deserves more attention.

I’m also sharing the curveballs — weather‑canceled markets...

In this episode, I’m walking you through the monthly check-in rhythm I use to keep my business grounded, focused, and burnout-proof. If you’ve ever found yourself jumping from one month to the next without really stopping to reflect, this practice is for you. I’m sharing the simple, repeatable questions I ask each month that help me assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward with more intention. It’s not about constantly optimizing or overhauling everything — it’s about creating space to pause, reflect, and make decisions based on what’s really happening in your...

In this episode, I’m continuing our January series by walking through how I’ve completely rethought my menu planning for the year ahead. If you’ve ever felt mentally exhausted just thinking about your menu, or found yourself re-deciding the same things week after week, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. I’m sharing why more options don’t automatically mean more sales, how simplifying my menu has actually reduced stress and improved consistency, and why predictability has become one of the most powerful tools in my business.

I break down the exact framework I’m using...

In this episode of The Breadwinner Podcast, we’re kicking off the new year by zooming out and looking at the big picture. January is naturally a slower month for many bakers, and that gives us the chance to pause, breathe, and plan intentionally. But instead of building rigid calendars that break under pressure, I’m sharing a simpler approach—one that’s flexible, supportive, and rooted in how sourdough microbakeries actually run. This method will help you create a container for the year made up of four practical parts: non-negotiables, seasonal anchors, monthly rhythms, and decision rules.

If pla...

Welcome to the very first episode of 2026! I’m so excited to be back behind the mic and kicking off the year with you. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the wins, challenges, and lessons from December—both the bakery numbers and the personal growth behind them. This isn't just about product sales or planning menus (though we cover plenty of that too); it's about how we move forward with intention, clarity, and the long game in mind. I talk about how I approached Christmas sales, the surprising trends I noticed in product popularity, and the small changes I’m ma...

Hello my friend, and welcome to the final episode of 2025. This isn’t a traditional year-in-review episode—it’s more of an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to remember that the work you’re doing in your sourdough microbakery is building something far bigger than weekly sales or Instagram posts. In this slower-paced reflection, I share five intentional questions that I hope will help you zoom out and really honor all that 2025 asked of you. These questions aren’t about vanity metrics or highlight reels. They’re about legacy—the quiet, meaningful kind that shows up in school lunches, famil...

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have an assistant in your microbakery—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed and know you need help but don’t know where to start—this episode is for you. I’m chatting with Melissa, my former assistant, about what it really looks like to bring someone into your space, how to know you’re ready, and what tasks you can delegate to lighten your load without sacrificing quality.

We dive into hiring mindset shifts, the value of a working interview, and what it means to create a business tha...

November was one of the wildest months I’ve ever walked through, and in this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes to hear the full recap—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m carrying forward into December. This was the month I made the big move from my home bakery into a brick-and-mortar space, and it came with all the expected learning curves… and then some. From navigating a new oven and workflow quirks to managing Thanksgiving pre-orders and a soft opening, there was a lot to celebrate—and a lot to adjust.

I’ll share hon...

This episode is a behind-the-scenes peek at my very first week in the new commercial bakery space. I’m walking you through the move from home to brick-and-mortar—what led me to take this leap, how it felt to lock the bakery door behind me for the first time, and what’s already changing in my business. I’m talking about what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m learning in real time—because it’s not all smooth sailing, but it’s worth it.

Whether you’re dreaming of a commercial kitchen someday or happily working from your ho...

October was a full and fulfilling month in my bakery—one that reminded me why slowing down to reflect is just as important as pushing forward. In this month’s business recap, I’m sharing what worked well, what didn’t, and the lessons I’m taking into the busy holiday season ahead. From product wins like my new English muffin loaf to the experiments that didn’t go as planned (hello, caramel mishaps), I walk through the highlights and honest moments that shaped the month. I also break down my October revenue, the systems that helped everything flow more smoothl...

In this final episode of my three-part series on sourdough markets, we’re diving into one of my favorite parts—booth setup and presentation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by market prep or unsure how to stand out, this episode is packed with practical tips that will help you show up with confidence and clarity. From choosing the right tablecloth to positioning your signs, I’ll walk you through what’s worked for me, what hasn’t, and how to create a welcoming space that draws people in without shouting for attention.

We’ll also talk about how your...

Join the Holiday Accelerator HERE! http://www.carolinebower.com/holidayaccelerator

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I get from sourdough microbakery owners — how do you prepare for a market without burning out? This is Part 2 of my Market Series, where I’m breaking down the planning, scheduling, and decision-making that go into a smooth, successful market week. I’m sharing how I organize my week from dough prep to packaging, what I’ve learned about finding balance between capacity and demand, and the simple systems that keep baking days productive but still...

Join the Holiday Accelerator HERE! http://www.carolinebower.com/holidayaccelerator

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics—farmers markets and vendor events—and how they can completely transform your sourdough microbakery. After two years of selling at the same local market, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to find a market that actually supports your goals, not just fills your weekends. Whether you’re brand new or ready to level up, this episode will help you identify which markets are worth your time and how to use them to build las...

Join the Holiday Accelerator HERE! http://www.carolinebower.com/holidayaccelerator

This time of year can get overwhelming fast—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m sharing the mindset shifts and simple strategies I’m using right now to set up a strong and sustainable Q4 in my sourdough microbakery. Whether you’re prepping for pop-ups, markets, or pre-orders, I walk you through how to say “yes” like a CEO, protect your energy, and plan ahead so the holidays feel fulfilling instead of frantic.

From early ingredient prep and freezer stocking to menu planning...

This month-in-review is a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a sourdough microbakery going strong through a full season of life. Between homeschooling, baking at home, prepping for a brick-and-mortar space, and managing two markets plus a popup and a workshop, it’s been a big month. I’m breaking down exactly where my revenue came from, what worked well, and what I’d do differently. I’ll also share why adding one simple new revenue stream made such a difference — and how you can do the same, even as a home baker.

I’m also getti...

I’m pulling back the curtain today for a very real and honest conversation about burnout. In this season of my life and business, I’ve been stretched thin and I can feel the warning signs creeping in—low energy, decision fatigue, and losing joy in the very things that once excited me. Instead of muscling through, I’ve been practicing what I teach: slowing down, setting boundaries, and building systems that protect my time, my family, and my love for baking. In this episode, I’m sharing what that looks like for me right now and why it matters fo...

This week I’m digging into a topic that has made a huge difference in how I run my bakery: scarcity. But not in a manipulative or high-pressure way—we’re talking about how to use natural limits to create more clarity, consistency, and ease in your microbakery. If you’ve ever sold out, scrambled to keep up with custom requests, or felt unsure about how to set boundaries, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical tips to help you take back control of your time and ordering process.

I’ll walk you through what scarcity really loo...

It’s hard to believe we’ve made it to episode 100 of the Bread Winner Podcast. What a journey it's been—over a year of showing up weekly to help you build a thriving sourdough microbakery that supports your life, your family, and your financial goals. I’m so thankful you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Part 2 of the strategy to pay yourself $1,000 per month from your bakery. This is a simple, scalable formula that works whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow toward a full-time income. If you missed Part 1 in episode 98, y...

In this episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of what August looked like in my microbakery—from market days to revenue breakdowns, product wins, flops, and everything in between. This is one of my favorite types of episodes to share because it gives me a chance to pause, reflect, and walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m learning as I move forward. I baked just twice this month by design to create a slower summer rhythm, and I’m sharing all the numbers—what I sold, how I sold it, and where the revenue...

This episode has been on my heart (and in my notes) for a long time, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I actually make money doing this?”, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the practical, number-based strategy to start paying yourself $1,000 a month from your sourdough microbakery. Whether you’re in the early stages of your business or looking to tighten up your pricing and margins, this conversation is packed with tangible steps to help you take real ownership of your numbers and sh...

Bad bake days happen to all of us—yes, even the most seasoned sourdough bakers. In this episode, I’m opening up about what to do when a bake flops, whether it’s burned loaves, flat cookies, or an entire batch of focaccia tossed in the trash (been there!). I’m walking you through how I process those days, reframe my mindset, and figure out whether it was something in my control—or totally out of it. Because one bad day doesn’t define you, and it definitely doesn’t erase all the wins you’ve had along the way.

I’m a...

In this episode, I’m diving into something that might seem simple on the surface but has made a huge impact in my life as a baker, business owner, and mom: morning and evening routines. I’m walking you through what our evenings and mornings actually look like in our house - yes, the real rhythms, the not-so-perfect parts, and the little tweaks we’ve made over time to feel more present, rested, and ready to take on the day. As microbakery owners, sleep and structure aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials—and when we start and end our days with inte...

This month’s Bread Winner Podcast episode is one of my favorite types of episodes—the month in review. These monthly check-ins give me space to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and where I want to go next in both my sourdough microbakery and life. July was intentionally lighter on the baking and heavier on family time, and honestly, it was just what I needed. I’m sharing how scaling back to two markets this month gave me the margin to be present with family, travel, and celebrate our anniversary—without guilt or burnout.

But this e...