The Hardest Thing

Episode 1: Acid in Your Stomach: What It Really Takes to Be an Entrepreneur

June 29th, 2026

Episode 1: Kris Priemer (https://www.instagram.com/kristopherpriemer/) and Mike Haarlander.

Kris and Mike Harlander get real about the mental and emotional side of entrepreneurship: the stress, the pivots, and why your mindset matters more than your idea.

Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome & Introducing Mike Harlander 
(1:00) Why Mike Keeps Coming Back to South Bend 
(3:00) What the Region Needs to Retain Entrepreneurs 
(5:00) The Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship 
(6:30) Amsterdam, Empty Bank Account & Going on Offense 
(9:00) Nobody Cares as Much as You Think 
(10:30) What Investors Are Really Betting On 
(11:30) Knowing Your Role & Letting Your Ego Die 
(14:00) The Power of the Notre Dame Network 
(18:00) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 
(20:00) Don't Get Married to Your Idea 
(22:00) Let the Market Tell You What It Will Bear