Welcome to The Deal Podcast!
The Deal Podcast
The Deal Podcast
Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio. Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success. Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization. This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
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Recent Episodes

Feb. 2, 2026

Building a Family Business That Lasts: Marriage, Risk, and Nine Locat…

In this episode, we sit down with Jared and Rachel Doise , husband-and-wife founders of Legends Born Grill, a nine location restaurant and bar concept built over more than 20 years in Acadiana. This is a real conversation abo...

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Jan. 30, 2026

Why Culture, Not Strategy, Determines Whether Deals Actually Work

In this episode, we sit down with Kristine Goebel , founder of A Company Suite, to unpack the real reasons companies struggle during growth, acquisitions, and exits. Kristine shares how emotional intelligence, communication, ...

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Jan. 28, 2026

Selling the Family Business Without Selling Your Soul

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Flash, former co-owner of Dixie Electric, a second-generation family business founded in 1979 and successfully exited after more than four decades. Mike shares the deeply personal story ...

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Jan. 26, 2026

Patents Don’t Create Value. Businesses Do.

In this episode, we sit down with Ted Anthony, a veteran patent attorney with decades of experience advising founders, operators, and acquirers on intellectual property in M&A transactions. Ted breaks down how patents and tra...

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Jan. 23, 2026

How Smart Dealmakers Turn Taxes Into a Strategic Advantage

In this episode we sit down with David Podell , a specialist in advanced tax mitigation strategies for founders, partners, and closely held businesses. David breaks down how defined benefit and cash balance plans can be used ...

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Jan. 21, 2026

How Smart Exits Eliminate Capital Gains and Preserve Momentum

In this episode, we sit down with Brett Swarts , founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to unpack how founders, investors, and advisors can exit assets without watching 20–50% disappear to capital gains taxes. Brett breaks d...

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Jan. 19, 2026

From Louisiana to Leading Global Capital Markets

In this episode, we sit down with Rip Reeves , CEO of Institutional Investor , to unpack the evolution of global investing, asset allocation, and the allocator–manager ecosystem. Rip shares his journey from a first-generation...

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Jan. 16, 2026

How Banks Really Evaluate Middle Market Deals

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Attenhofer , a senior commercial banking leader at Hancock Whitney with nearly three decades of experience financing middle-market businesses. Larry walks through how banks actually und...

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Jan. 14, 2026

Why Deals Fail After the Numbers Look Perfect

In this episode, we sit down with Andre Broussard, a seasoned CPA operating at the intersection of private equity, venture capital, and middle-market deal execution. Andre shares how he functions as a “CFO by the hour” for fo...

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Jan. 12, 2026

Courtroom or Boardroom? Why Transactional Lawyers Shape the Biggest D…

In this episode host Josh Wilson sits down with CJ Miller , a transactional attorney who has built his career in the boardroom rather than the courtroom. CJ shares his journey from growing up in a small family business in Sou...

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Reviews

Beyond just the deal

"The Deal Podcast is a highly effective resource for navigating the complex world of middle-market dealmaking, achieving notable success in both guest quality and content engagement."

SmoothStoneCapital | Nov. 5, 2025

"As a student interested in M&A and deal-making, this podcast has become one of my favorites. Joshua Wilson does a fantastic job bringing on guests who share what actually goes into building, buying, …"

elliottlynd | Nov. 4, 2025

Very insightful and genuine

"As a student interested in M&A and deal-making, this podcast has become one of my favorites. Joshua Wilson does a fantastic job bringing on guests who share what actually goes into building, buying, …"

Person (name) | Nov. 4, 2025

Awesome

"Great podcast! Shared the discussion about discernment that coincided with a bible study discussion about vocations this week."

LafayetteMom89 | Oct. 22, 2025