Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies, where we dive deep into the strategies that transform ordinary entrepreneurs into extraordinary innovators. In today's fast-paced digital world, we're constantly bombarded with notifications, tasks, and endless to-do lists that drain our creative energy. But what if the key to your next breakthrough isn't found in another productivity app or late-night hustle, but right outside your door? Today, we're exploring a revolutionary approach to generating brilliant ideas:...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Hey creators, content makers, and storytellers! Ever wondered how to transform your video, audio, and storytelling from amateur to professional without breaking the bank? In today's episode of Hacks and Hobbies, I'm revealing the game-changing small tweaks that can make a massive impact on your content. Forget expensive gear and complicated setups. I'm talking about simple adjustments that can instantly elevate your presence. We'll dive into the secrets of camera placement that makes you look co...
Apr 03, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Today, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Betsy Pepine - a real estate powerhouse who's not just building a business, but transforming lives.Betsy Pepine is a serial entrepreneur in real estate. Her brokerage, Pepine Realty, has been named as an Inc. 5000 Fasting Growing Private Company in the USA multiple times and has earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal has consistently recognize...
Apr 01, 2025•46 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Ever wonder why some videos go viral while others get lost in the digital noise? I'm Junaid Ahmed, and today we're diving deep into the psychology of engagement. Imagine scrolling through social media, and suddenly, a piece of content stops you in your tracks. What makes that happen? Is it luck? Nope. It's science. In this episode, I'll reveal the three psychological triggers that transform ordinary content into something extraordinary. We'll explore how curiosity can hook your audience, why emo...
Mar 27, 2025•11 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode, we have a truly transformative guest who will challenge everything you thought you knew about personal growth and success. Meet Raquel Soto - an Amazon Best Selling Author, Master Coach, and a remarkable woman who has turned her own life's challenges into a powerful mission. With over a decade of coaching experience, Raquel helps leaders break through limiting beliefs and step into a life of abundance. But this isn't just another motivational story. Raquel blends faith-based pri...
Mar 25, 2025•56 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Hey there, creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders! Are you tired of feeling lost in the endless sea of digital content? Wondering how to make your voice heard in a world where everyone seems to be shouting? Today, I'm diving deep into the art of standing out in a crowded digital space. Spoiler alert: It's not about being the loudest – it's about being the most authentic and valuable.I'll break down the two secret weapons that no one else can copy: your unique authenticity and your genuine ...
Mar 20, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In a world where financial literacy is often overlooked, imagine having the power to transform your family's financial future with just a few simple strategies. Today, we're diving deep into the secrets of money management that can change generations. From understanding the magic of compound interest to learning how to make your money work for you, this episode is your roadmap to financial empowerment. We'll explore practical tips that can help you break free from the cycle of living paycheck to...
Mar 18, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies - the podcast where passion meets purpose! I'm your host, Junaid Ahmed, and we've just hit a massive milestone: 700 episodes and seven incredible seasons of transformation, learning, and growth. This isn't just another podcast. This is a journey of discovery - where creators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers come together to unlock their full potential. Whether you're looking to master your craft, build an amazing home studio, or simply find inspiration, you're in the rig...
Mar 13, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this episode, I get to speak with Fitz Koehler. We're exploring the incredible journey of a true inspiration - a fitness innovator, race announcer, and cancer survivor who embodies the spirit of resilience and joy. Imagine facing one of life's most challenging battles - cancer - and not just surviving, but thriving. Our guest has transformed her personal struggle into a mission to help others live better, stronger, and with unbreakable spirit. She's not just a fitness expert; she's a beacon o...
Mar 11, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 99
In this episode, I get to speak with Chad Cooper. Chad will share powerful insights on transforming stress into success and unlocking your full potential. You'll discover his practical strategies for prioritizing what matters most, managing distractions, and seizing opportunities to connect with loved ones. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to create the life you truly desire. Let's dive in!Where to reach Chad: https://www.facebook.com/ChadCooperAuthorSpeaker https://www.instagram.com/chade...
Mar 06, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 98
Matt Raad has used a very unconventional method to create financial freedom in his lifetime, starting with nothing and building a high cash flow portfolio through buying and selling businesses. He and his wife Liz are website investors, which means they use digital assets to generate cash flow and build wealth. They were among the first in the world to realize that they could buy websites, renovate them like real estate, and then sell or keep them for cash flow. Matt started out as a zoologist w...
Mar 04, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 97
In this episode, we are joined by strategic community consultant Megan to delve into the intricacies of building and managing thriving communities. Megan shares her journey from an accidental start in college to helping numerous brands grow their communities. The discussion covers various topics, including the importance of community purpose, segmentation strategies, engagement and retention programs, and choosing the right platform. Megan also provides actionable tips on enhancing community cul...
Feb 27, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 96
Mickie Kennedy founded eReleases (http://www.ereleases.com) 25 years ago to help small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility through tier-1 press release distribution. He lives in the Baltimore area. Where to reach Mickie https://www.ereleases.com https://www.ereleases.com/plan https://x.com/ereleases https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ https://www.pinteres...
Feb 25, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 95
Scott Joseph, founder and CEO of Me Plus Ultra, discussed his journey from scaling J and L Marketing to creating Mastermind groups. He emphasized the importance of networking, trust, and giving without expecting returns. Scott highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on his business, leading to the creation of the Business Bourbon and Cigars event. He shared insights on delegating responsibilities, listening to clients, and the power of a supportive network. Scott also stressed the need to eliminate f...
Feb 20, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 94
Bill Blankschaen is the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of storytellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships. StoryBuilders tells stories that make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income. A New York Times Bestselling writer, Bill and his team work with a variety o...
Feb 18, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 93
In this episode, I get to speak with Dr. Vasu Tolia. Dr. Vasu Tolia, a physician and acclaimed visual artist whose journey from healing patients to healing minds through her art is nothing short of inspiring. From being a tenured professor and pediatric gastroenterologist to an artist whose work is changing the way we think about healing, she continues to inspire. Her work, which blends the beauty of abstract forms with cultural heritage, has not only been celebrated nationwide but also featured...
Feb 13, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 92
Today, we have a truly insightful conversation lined up that will challenge you to rethink how you approach progress in your business. Our guest is Nick Jain, the CEO of IdeaScale - the largest innovation software company serving clients like Pfizer, Comcast, and the US Postal Service. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, Nick has a unique perspective on what it takes to foster a culture of innovation, even within large, established organizations. Nick pulls back the curtain on his time at ...
Feb 11, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 91
In this episode, I get to speak with Trina Fisher. Trina is the co-founder of Left Right Labs, a branding and web agency that helps Thought Leaders reinvent their brand, their business, and their life. With 18 years of branding and marketing experience and over 100 online brands launched, she has supported celebrities, coaches, best-selling authors, thought leaders, and more in creating genuine brand identities. Her clients have included industry leaders like Laila Ali, JJ Virgin, Pinnacle Globa...
Feb 06, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 90
In this episode, I get to speak with Carol Kabaale. Carol is a marketing strategist and Meta ads expert, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses with effective, value-driven campaigns. With a passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, Carol specializes in simplifying complex marketing strategies to create authentic connections with audiences. Please sit back, relax, and let's learn from this insightful conversation! Where to reach our Guest: Website: carolkabaale.com Instagram:...
Feb 04, 2025•43 min•Season 6Ep. 89
In this episode, I get to speak with Sonja Martinovic. Sonja is a leadership coach focused on the energetics of success through fulfillment. With a unique combination of transformational sciences and sustainable business practices, she supports entrepreneurs and CEOs in operating at their highest Value level with more alignment, and authenticity. Sonja has an 18-year history in international sales management as a sales trainer for Fortune 500 companies and she is a certified coach. She is an Aut...
Jan 30, 2025•43 min•Season 6Ep. 88
In this episode, I get to speak with Joe Casabona. Joe is a podcast systems coach who helps busy solopreneurs take back their time by streaming their processes. With over a decade of experience in podcasting, more than 17 years of teaching and over 24 years as a web developer, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, and if you're a fan of coffee, he's the guy who likens his strategies to brewing the perfect cup, Joe, it's such a pleasure to have you on the show. This is going to be an awe...
Jan 28, 2025•59 min
In this episode, I get to speak with Sean Languedoc. With over 25 years of immersion in the tech industry, Sean has navigated the challenging yet exhilarating journey of nurturing ideas into thriving enterprises. As the CEO of Outforce.ai, formerly known as Global Talent Accelerator, his entrepreneurial journey continues in the realm of transforming outsourcing from a daunting task to a strategic asset for venture-backed companies. Sit back as we listen and learn from his transformation journey....
Jan 23, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 86
In this episode, I get to speak with Clifford Starks. He is a former UFC fighter and Hall of Famer, is a master of turning pressure into fuel. Having conquered his own inner battles, he now coaches top entrepreneurs and leaders to do the same—unlocking their inner strength and pushing them to their peak performance. Clifford’s expertise in mastering the fundamentals and asking powerful, transformative questions helps leaders show up as their best selves, achieving their deepest dreams with clari...
Jan 21, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 85
In this episode, I get to speak with Patrick Francey. He is the CEO of the Real Estate Investment Network and the creator and host of his award-winning podcast, The Everyday Millionaire. Recognized as a leader in entrepreneurship, personal and professional development, and real estate investor education, Patrick is an engaging speaker and coach dedicated to enriching lives through his comprehensive programs. With over 40 years of expertise as a multi-business owner, Patrick excels in supporting ...
Jan 16, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 84
In this episode, I get to speak with Colin Hirdman. Colin started his first company a week after graduating from college, and has been an entrepreneur ever since. He's building businesses through Monkey Island Ventures a company he co-founded with two of his best friends. Monkey Island Ventures is named after a park they played at since they were 5 years old. Colin is now focused on their newest business, Rainmaker. He helps founders, business coaches, and sales teams build their LinkedIn networ...
Jan 14, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 83
In this episode, I get to speak with Marques Ogden. He is a former NFL player who has become an inspirational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, a media and entertainment company specializing in keynote speaking, business coaching, and consulting. Ogden is a three-time best-selling author and the host of the podcast "Get Authentic with Marques Ogden." In his speaking engagements, Marques leads his audiences to understand why “Authenticity Creates ...
Jan 09, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 82
In this episode, I get to speak with Damon Burton. He is a search engine optimization expert, bestselling author, and founder of SEO National. Damon has built a global SEO agency while dedicating time to his family as a devoted husband and father of three. Over 45 minutes, we'll unpack Damon's journey - from outranking a billion-dollar company on Google early in his career to navigating economic downturns and scaling his business with a remote team. You'll learn practical SEO hacks, discover his...
Jan 07, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 81
In this episode, I'm thrilled to kick off a brand new year with you. 2024 was an incredible journey, filled with conversations that challenged us, motivated us, and showed us new paths to growth. From rediscovering our purpose to building resilient businesses, our guests shared invaluable lessons that are ready to be applied. We'll be reflecting on the top takeaways and translating them into concrete steps you can take to make 2025 your best year yet. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and rea...
Jan 02, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 80
In this episode, I get to speak with Ingo Schulmeyer. Simona Costantini is the Founder and CEO of VOLT Productions, a leading podcast production agency with 20+ weekly shows, many ranking in the top 30-100 in their niches. Simona is a dynamic speaker and podcast host known for delivering actionable insights and value. She hosts "Happiness Happens" and "As It Relates to Podcasting" and empowers female entrepreneurs in parenting, wellness, and marketing to launch and grow their podcasts. Her missi...
Dec 31, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 79
In this episode, I get to speak with Ingo Schulmeyer. Ingo Schulmeyer, was an inspiring entrepreneur who took a leap of faith and completely transformed his life. Ingo had a successful corporate career, but something was missing. During the pandemic, he and his family made the bold decision to sell everything, quit their jobs, and embark on a 9-month journey of discovery. Now, over 2 years later, Ingo has found a new home in Mexico where he's building a life of freedom and fulfillment. He'll sha...
Dec 26, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 78
