The Startup Ideas Podcast - podcast cover

The Startup Ideas Podcast

Greg Isenbergwww.gregisenberg.com
Get your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by Greg Isenberg, CEO of Late Checkout and former advisor to Reddit and TikTok. Subscribe so you don't miss out. For more startup ideas, we created a database of 30+ startup ideas you can take at https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Episodes

The Actual Process Behind a $10.5K/Month Directory Website

Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directory The episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive i...

Feb 12, 202554 minEp. 200

The Step-by-Step Plan to Go From $3M to $10M+

In this episode, Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, shares his framework for scaling businesses from seven to nine figures. The conversation focuses on the importance of customer retention, strategic hiring, and proper incentive structures. Ayman shares insights from his experience scaling AppSumo from $3M to $84M in revenue, emphasizing the transition from founder to CEO mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and background 02:47 - Discussion of the Nine Steps framework 08:13 - Team b...

Feb 10, 202551 minEp. 199

I built an AI startup in 65 minutes (using ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, ElevenLabs)

Greg's step-by-step guide to building a startup using AI workflows: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-startup In this episode, Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, shares the exact prompting sequences he uses to combine multiple AI tools to create products people actually want to buy. Watch us build a custom avatar business live. You'll learn the exact process: from crafting the perfect prompts in ChatGPT, to generating images in Leonardo AI, to animating with Kling AI, all the way to automated f...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 198

4 microSaaS ideas you can build to make $100k/month

In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime, explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today's market. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and se...

Feb 03, 202538 minEp. 197

DeepSeek R1 - Everything you need to know

Greg's DeepSeek Cheetsheet: From Installation to Expert Prompting: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deepseek Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app. Key Points: • Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities • Discussion of data privacy co...

Jan 29, 202551 minEp. 196

I Met Charlie Munger and Discovered How Billionaires Really Think

Meet David Senra, the guy who turned his obsession with reading about successful people into a million-dollar podcast. He's read over 300 books about the world's biggest entrepreneurs and shares all the best bits on his show, Founders. In this episode, David breaks down exactly how he finds golden nuggets of wisdom in these books, building deep relationships with founders, and insights from meetings with figures like Charlie Munger. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and Founders Origin Story 07:10 - The...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 195

Why 2,500 Subscribers Is All You Need For $1M

Jonathan "Jicecream" Courtney believes that in 2025, basic marketing still outperforms everything: a simple 90-minute webinar turns 200 attendees into 20 buyers, even with just 2,500 subscribers. The framework is dead simple - 20 minutes on your story, 15 minutes on the solution, 20 minutes showing the transformation, then offering them a choice between DIY or done-for-you. He goes into it in this episode. Key Points: • Detailed breakdown of successful webinar funnel structures and challenge fun...

Jan 22, 202552 minEp. 194

This AI Writing Hack Made Him Millions (Full Breakdown)

Nicolas Cole delivers a comprehensive masterclass on writing with AI, demonstrating how to combine human expertise with AI capabilities to create high-quality content. The discussion covers practical frameworks for content creation, including how to structure articles, generate hooks, and test ideas. Cole emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human writers, and success comes from understanding fundamental writing principles first. Learn how to ...

Jan 20, 202555 minEp. 193

This YouTube expert made creators $100M+ (Not clickbait)

Join me as I chat with Paddy Galloway, a veteran YouTube strategist who has worked with major creators like MrBeast, where he shares a comprehensive blueprint for YouTube success. The discussion covers everything from initial channel strategy to advanced content packaging techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistent posting, strategic ideation, and effective thumbnail design. Galloway presents a structured approach to growing a YouTube channel over 12 months, with specific benchmarks and...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 45 minEp. 192

He built a startup using AI that prints money (full tutorial)

In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for content creation, distribution, and monetization. Special emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools, programmatic SEO, and multi-channel marketing approaches to build sustainable growth engines. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 01:23 ...

Jan 13, 202556 minEp. 191

How to grow an internet audience in 2025

Join me as I chat with Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually. Episode Timestamps: • 00:00 - Intro • 01:54...

Jan 07, 202549 minEp. 190

10 Newsletter Business Ideas to start in 2025

In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams. Timstamps: • 00:00 - Intro • 01:54 - Newsle...

Jan 01, 202539 minEp. 189

"Y Combinator Is Overrated" - Inside the brain of this 20-Year-Old Who Built Multiple Viral Products

Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building. Episode Timestamps: • 00:00 - In...

Dec 30, 202449 minEp. 188

My 2024 Year in Review

My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:38 Biggest wins 05:54 Biggest losses and lessons 11:47 - Q&amp...

Dec 25, 202456 minEp. 187

pov: brainstorming $1M+ startup ideas with Daniel Dalen

Join me as I chat with Daniel Dalen, CEO and Founder of Ecomflow, as we explore various startup ideas and business opportunities, focusing on embeddable businesses and the Shopify ecosystem. We discuss the potential of credibility badges, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful business concepts while sharing insights on product development, aesthetics, and bootstrapping versus venture capital approaches. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility 0...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 186

How to get 145k followers on LinkedIn in 1 year

I share my experience growing from zero to 145,000 LinkedIn followers in 14 months, generating millions in revenue. I detail specific strategies for LinkedIn growth, including leveraging the new video tab, creating engaging story posts, and utilizing infographics. The presentation explains how to properly monetize a LinkedIn following through strategic content posting and lead magnet implementation. This talk was given at Andrew Wilkinsons IP2 conference Learn more about IP3 Andrew's Newsletter:...

Dec 20, 202415 minEp. 185

The framework for building AI startups from a product design genius

Join me as I chat with Mike Hudack, CEO of Sling Money, as we deep dive into AI startup strategy by discussing frameworks for building AI companies, product development approaches, and go-to-market strategies. The conversation covers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering AI ventures, from choosing between B2B and B2C models to pricing strategies and competition analysis. Hudack shares insights from his experience at Facebook and current venture Sling Money. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:...

Dec 18, 202443 minEp. 184

How to get your first customers (even with ZERO audience)

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into various lead generation strategies. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for building a client pipeline without having a large online following. 00:00 - Intro 03:13 - The Dream 100 Strategy 11:01 - The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out) 18:12 - Go Where Your Audience Lives 27:21 - The Power of Strategic Gifting 36:33 - Content Creation (if you choose to) 40:47 - Key Mindset Shift around Co...

Dec 16, 202450 minEp. 183

Inside the Brain of a 17-Year-Old $1M/Month AI Founder

Join me as I chat with Zach Yadegari, Co-Founder of Cal AI, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Concept Behind Dr. AI and App Feature Overview 05:37 - Designing the User Experience 08:42 - Inspiration and Primitives in App Design 11:10 - User Experience and Simplicity 16:05 - Gamification and User Engagement 17:26 - Shareability and Marketing Potential 20:07 - History Feature...

Dec 11, 202449 minEp. 182

3 AI app ideas that are goldmines (and how to grow them)

In this episode, I am joined by Dan Shipper, co-Founder and CEO of Every, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Startup Idea 1: Advanced Voice Notes 08:59 - Startup Idea 2: N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 16:12 - Startup Idea 3: Great Books Reimagined 28:28 - Trend to Watch: Voice-First Products 34:33 - Distribution Strategy for AI Apps 1) Advanced Voice Notes Imagine voice notes you can actually talk to! - Recor...

Dec 09, 202442 minEp. 181

Growth Genius Leaks Million Dollar SEO Plan

Join me as I chat with Jacky Chou, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into growth hacking opportunities. Jacky shares his strategies and frameworks for how to growth hack businesses using SEO and keyword research. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:46 Most AI companies are leaving money on the table 11:04 Paid Ads for InteriorAI 15:04 Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit 21:13 Other Neglected Platforms to beat VC-funded startups 24:57 Startup Idea 1: NSFW AI O.F. 35:31 Community Building in 20...

Dec 04, 202445 minEp. 180

Build a high traffic startup using AI, Webflow and Zapier

Join me as I chat with Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. Omar shares his strategies and frameworks for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 04:26 Overview of GuiltyChef.com 06:56 The Power of Schema in SEO 14:04 Traffic 18:07 Monetization Potential 24:34 Overview of bestdubai.com 32:09 Live Cooking Session: Building a Directory 35:47 Using Apify for Data Scraping 39:54 Using ...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 29 minEp. 179

How This Guy Makes His Entire Year's Revenue in Black Friday WEEK

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into Black Friday Campaign strategy. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for leveraging Black Friday regardless of what type of business you run. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses 04:21 - Types of Black Friday Sales 05:01 - Case Study: Endel's Renewal Strategy 08:49 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG1 12:48 - Apple's Unique Approach to...

Nov 27, 202436 minEp. 178

3 startup ideas from the co-founder of Loom (make $120k/mo)

In this episode, I am joined by Shahed Khan, co-founder of Loom, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide 19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network 34:06 Startup Idea 3: Time Capsules of Shared Memories 1) The Anti-TripAdvisor Traveler Problem: Millennials & Gen Z hate cookie-cutter travel experiences Solution: TikTok-inspired travel app with curated, l...

Nov 25, 202442 minEp. 177

How to start a Holding Company

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Girdley, Chairman and CEO of Girdley Enterprises, as we discuss how to build a HoldCo. Michael shares his frameworks and best practices for structuring HoldCo’s. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:25 What is HoldCo 07:22 Types of HoldCo 09:45 Why go HoldCo 12:56 Types of HoldCo Pt 2 15:27 Frameworks for structuring your HoldCo 19:16 7 steps of starting a HoldCo 23:47 Why HoldCo’s are awesome 36:12 HoldCo’s are antifragile 43:16 Make sure HoldCo’s are right...

Nov 20, 202448 minEp. 176

3 AI startup ideas to build in 2025 (and how to grow them)

In this episode, I am joined by Arvid Kahl, CEO and Founder of Podscan, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:09 Startup Idea 1: AI Co-Founder 21:07 Startup Idea 2: Silent Refactoring as a Service 37:00 Startup Idea 3: Niche-specific AI-powered content curation 1) AI Co-Founder: Your 24/7 virtual partner with ZERO equity • Trains on your business data • Handles marketing, sales, strategy • Interacts with other AI agents for f...

Nov 18, 202450 minEp. 175

How to build a $1M+ Consumer SaaS App (step-by-step guide)

Join me as I chat with Joseph Choi, Founder of Viral App Founders Community, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for finding and building profitable Consumer Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and growth hacking apps. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:01 Ecom Marketing Strategies applied to Consumer Apps 11:07 TikTok Shop Affiliate Center = goldmine for app ideas 22:16 Profitable Niches that are Underserved 33:26 Influencer Marketing 2.0 40:58 Capitalize on internet "cults...

Nov 13, 202450 minEp. 174

Humanoid Military Robots and other crazy billion dollar ideas

Join us for an engaging conversation with John Coogan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Founders Fund, as we explore a wide range of moonshot ideas from Cybersecurity to moon Colonization to humanoid military robots Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:57 Startup Idea 1: Cybersecurity for AI companies 11:37 Startup Idea 2: Moon-focused space startup 21:33 Startup Idea 3: Kid-friendly smartphone alternative 36:02 Startup Idea 4: Humanoid military robots 1) Cybersecurity for AI companies • AI models = n...

Nov 11, 202448 minEp. 173

How to build $1M+ Viral AI Apps

Join me as I chat with Blake Anderson, Co-Founder of Apex, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:59 Why build AI Apps 04:58 Startup Idea 1: Career AI 08:19 Blake's framework for building Viral AI Apps 10:38 Finding influencers 13:23 Product Development 17:25 Startup Idea 2: Journal AI 24:01 Paywalls and Payment Strategy 29:03 Startup Idea 3: Language AI 24:01 How t...

Nov 06, 202439 minEp. 172

7 $1M+ AI startup ideas you can launch tomorrow with $0

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:46 Startup Idea 1: AI-Generated UGC Ads 16:10 Startup Idea 2: AI Infographic Generator 21:14 Startup Idea 3: AI Journaling App 30:10 Startup Idea 4: Novel DTC products 36:39 Startup Idea 5: Creator Business Model 2.0 44:13 Startup Idea 6: AI Receptionist 1) AI-Generated UGC Ads • Use AI avatars + scr...

Nov 04, 202450 minEp. 171
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