I’m wrestling with whether I’m becoming too dependent on AI for critical thinking, especially after it helped me create an entire quiz for my business. While I don’t use it for actual writing, I’ve noticed I’m defaulting to AI for brainstorming, research, and problem-solving more quickly than I used to. I’m exploring the line between helpful automation and potentially weakening my own thinking muscles. *This episode description was written by Claude AI.*
Jul 04, 2025•7 min•Ep. 45
I've been reflecting on my upcoming conversation with Charlotte Crowther, focusing on the importance of signature frameworks in content strategy. After attending Craft and Commerce, I discovered that aligning my mindset with business goals is crucial—like creating a system to help my business thrive without constant oversight. I'm currently brainstorming names for my framework, which might be called the "Chaos to Clarity Map," and I'm eager to share my thoughts and get your feedback on this evol...
Jun 27, 2025•4 min•Ep. 44
In today's episode, I'm diving into my experience with a new voice notes app that's significantly better than my old standby, Whisper Memos. I'll share how its features, like context and AI prompts, are having a positive impact on my recording process and reducing extra steps. Additionally, I'm recording a new LinkedIn Learning course on using generative AI to create a movie database web application, highlighting the exciting evolution of vibe coding from planning to execution. *This description...
Jun 20, 2025•4 min•Ep. 43
I'm on day three in Boise after some clarifying conversations about my business positioning. Austin Church helped me realize I should lean into being the brand and talking openly about my struggles, while Barrett Brooks' fireside chat got me thinking about whether I'm a coach or consultant - and how I should price accordingly. This description was written by Claude.
Jun 10, 2025•4 min•Ep. 42
I share how I used Claude AI as a writing coach and editor while developing my next book project. Unlike my previous technical books, this one focuses on helping solopreneur parents who feel trapped by their businesses. I walk through my detailed process of using Claude to: Challenge my initial assumptions and poke holes in my ideas Define my target audience through pointed questioning Refine my book's promise and differentiators Identify the transformational story that should open the book The ...
Jun 04, 2025•7 min•Ep. 41
I share my process for finally getting to know my audience better so I can create products they actually want. I'm planning a simple survey to understand what my subscribers are struggling with most - whether it's building automations, creating systems for their solopreneur business, or making podcasting easier. I also reflect on a recent founders call where I learned that "tech stack" might be the term I should be using instead of my usual language, and how that conversation reminded me that I'...
May 30, 2025•7 min•Ep. 40
I share the behind-the-scenes of my pre-vacation hustle as I prepare for a family trip to Disney World. With a packed to-do list and a hard deadline, I break down how I got everything done—from content creation to client projects—without leaving any loose ends. I dive into the mindset shift that helped me stay focused, the strategic communication that made this week successful, and the importance of planning ahead to ensure a stress-free vacation. Plus, I reflect on the lessons learned and what ...
May 02, 2025•7 min•Ep. 39
I recently attended Justin Moore's Sponsor Games, and learned something I do is very shocking. But it's all about leveraging friction to help accomplish your goals. Learn more by joining my mailing list: https://casabona.org/join
Apr 21, 2025•2 min•Ep. 38
There is a horrid trend right now. People are using automation and AI to automate humanity out of their processes. Today, I got a god awful pitch, and it’s not the first garbage pitch I've received this week. I get dozens from supposed professionals helping clients book shows. This one was pitching the wrong podcast. Look, automation is great. It can help reduce friction, but if you take away all of it, you'll slip and fall. You can't automate relationship building. If you're using it to skip th...
Apr 16, 2025•2 min•Ep. 37
After watching a documentary on the making of Wicked and seeing the care put into practical sets, I started thinking about how audiences connect with what's real — whether it's in movies or content. There's an ineffable difference between practical effects and CGI, just like there's a difference between human-created content and AI-generated stuff. Even if people can't articulate why, they know when something is real. And that matters. Have thoughts? send them to https://streamlinedfeedback.com ...
Apr 06, 2025•4 min•Ep. 36
After a busy stretch of travel and deep work, I’m back with a fresh round of thoughts—because I’m in an idea feast right now. In this episode, I talk about the cycle of creative output, why I've been thinking a lot about friction (both adding and reducing it), and how that ties into my core message of helping solopreneurs create spacious lives. I also share how I'm experimenting with short-form video creation thanks to a new camera setup and some well-placed automation. Oh, and if you’re wonderi...
Apr 02, 2025•7 min•Ep. 35
Podcast Episode: Tracking My Close Rate & Improving My Offers Welcome to all the new listeners from Pod News! Thanks for checking out the show. If you ever have feedback, you can always share it at streamlinedfeedback.com . Today, I’m diving into a question my friend Courtney asked me: What’s your close rate? Turns out, I wasn’t tracking it, which is a problem in itself. In this episode, I talk about: How I built a custom CRM in Notion to track leads, prospects, and wins The different status...
Mar 05, 2025•9 min•Ep. 34
I’ve been rethinking my async coaching tools lately, and after much trial and error, I’ve landed on a setup that finally makes sense. In this episode, I share why I’m leaving ClarityFlow (formerly ZipMessage), the friction I encountered with it, and what I’m using instead. Spoiler: Zoom Chat is way more powerful than I expected, and it integrates seamlessly into my existing workflow. I also break down my full coaching tech stack: Zoom Chat for async coaching conversations Tella for high-quality ...
Mar 01, 2025•8 min•Ep. 33
Welcome to the first public episode of Joe’s Audio Notes ! After much deliberation, I’ve decided to make this feed public rather than merging it into Streamlined Solopreneur . Why? Because episode numbers matter to me—a lot. My whole podcasting system relies on pre-determined episode numbers, and adding these voice notes to Streamlined Solopreneur would have messed with that flow. This episode also dives into changes I’ve made to my brand, including renaming podcast workflows to streamlinedpodca...
Feb 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 32
Lately, I’ve been using my dog’s outdoor breaks to record thoughts and send them to ChatGPT. It’s helped me reclaim time, but I’m questioning whether I’m thinking through ideas or just outsourcing critical thinking. In this episode, I explore that dilemma, share insights on content creation, and reflect on consistency in short-form content. Plus, a quick update on whether I’ll make these audio notes public. This description was written by ChatGPT based on the episode transcript....
Feb 20, 2025•8 min•Ep. 31
I just finished watching a four-part docuseries about Saturday Night Live and it’s really fascinating. Each episode covers different aspects of the show, from auditions to legendary sketches to the writing process. But what really stuck with me was the final episode, The Weird Year , all about SNL’s tumultuous Season 11. I had no idea that SNL was on the verge of cancellation, that Lorne Michaels had left for a while, or that they completely revamped the cast after Season 10. Season 11 was a rou...
Feb 16, 2025•7 min•Ep. 30
I don’t like using my kids as life lesson material for content, but I couldn’t help noticing something about my daughter’s Girl Scout cookie sales. She originally set a goal of 300 boxes, hit it in two weeks, and now she’s about to double it. Why? Because she shows up—every weekend, out there selling cookies. And people notice. It got me thinking: Being exceptional isn’t about being the smartest or the best. It’s about showing up more than most people. That consistency makes the difference. This...
Feb 15, 2025•4 min•Ep. 29
This weekend, I completely rearranged my office—and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What started as frustration with my camera framing turned into a full workspace transformation. In this episode, I break down: - Why I moved my desk and how it improved my video setup - The changes I made to declutter and improve cable management - The unexpected number of extra USB cables and extension cords I found (seriously, where did they all come from?) - Why I finally got rid of my massive softbox ...
Feb 12, 2025•12 min•Ep. 28
My day started off completely off track thanks to a school delay, and honestly, it never recovered. But even with the chaos, I still managed to get a newsletter out and do some deep thinking about this very podcast. I launched Joe’s Audio Notes back in August as a private podcast to grow my email list, but now I’m wondering: is that really working? I’d love your input: Do you like having Joe’s Audio Notes as a private podcast? Or would you rather see it in the Streamlined Solopreneur feed? Let m...
Feb 03, 2025•8 min•Ep. 27
January has been chaotic, with travel to PodFest, family illnesses, and snow days all colliding. Despite technical issues, the PodFest talk went incredibly well, even leading to a potential client opportunity from the stage. Between catching up on work, including a nonprofit website redesign and recording a LinkedIn Learning course, the mindset that 2025 starts in February seems fitting. Disclosure: This summary was written by ChatGPT, based on the episode transcript....
Jan 25, 2025•5 min•Ep. 26
I’m very tired but I’m excited that I’m speaking on stage for the first time in 5+ years. I’m hoping the trip will be restorative and allow me to reset. If you’ll be at Podfest, definitely say hi!
Jan 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 25
After a holiday break filled with family time and adjusting to life with a new puppy, I’m rethinking my content focus for 2025. From exploring live-streaming as a space for automation experiments to refining how I share my strengths in gear, processes, and systems, I’m gearing up for a purposeful year. Plus, thoughts on polishing my Podfest talk and getting back into a creative groove. Disclosure: ChatGPT wrote this description based on the episode transcript.
Jan 03, 2025•6 min•Ep. 24
What am I going to do with all this membership content now that my membership is defunct? Plus, what I’m doing with 16 days off.
Dec 20, 2024•7 min•Ep. 23
Once again I learn the crucial lesson that being clear is better than being clever. So what’s next for The Unstuck Sessions ? Listen to find out.
Dec 04, 2024•6 min•Ep. 22
If you had asked me even a month ago, “Are you doing a Black Friday sale,” I would have said no. Here’s what changed and how it came together. Plus a quick update on the rebrand!
Nov 29, 2024•7 min•Ep. 21
I had every intention of not working today, the day before Thanksgiving. But the universe (and some mismanagement) had other plans.
Nov 28, 2024•5 min•Ep. 20
My be everywhere strategy for this year was an incredible failure. But that doesn’t mean I don’t learn anything. Medium hasn’t panned out, but perhaps Substack is worth a little more effort.
Nov 23, 2024•5 min•Ep. 19
Social media has been on my mind lately, especially with there now being four popular(ish) text-based platforms: Twitter, Blue Sky, Threads, and Mastodon. Here’s what I think about all of them.
Nov 23, 2024•8 min•Ep. 18
I rethink my content strategy during an upcoming rebrand, realizing that my most popular topics—gear, automations, and productivity—fit well with my new focus on helping solopreneurs streamline their lives. I'm excited about this shift because it lets me explore more interests and better serve my audience.* *ChatGPT wrote this while I was helping my kiddo with her homework. It’s an accurate summary 😆
Nov 14, 2024•6 min•Ep. 17
My new branding is nearly ready for the public. I've already started rolling it out in some places, but wanted to give you a quick walkthrough of everything before it's officially official. Plus, I'm trying out a new mic. New home page: https://casabona.org/joe-casabona/ What's on my Desk Easter Egg: https://casabona.org/desk
Nov 11, 2024•9 min•Ep. 16
