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
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Episodes

Reviewing Claude Opus 4.5

I sat down with James, the Boring Marketer, to stress-test Claude 4.5 Opus against Gemini 3 Pro for real-world coding and design work. Together we live-build and compare landing pages and clickable prototypes for an “EstateClear” probate-family dashboard, then zoom out into conversion copywriting frameworks, “elevated direct response” brand voice, and ad creative workflows. The episode is a practical walkthrough of how non-technical builders can go from idea → landing page → prototype → ads usin...

Nov 26, 20251 hr

Build Mobile Apps that Stand Out (Here's the Playbook)

On this episode I sit down with indie app builder and designer Chris Raroque to break down how solo developers can make apps that truly stand out in a world of “vibe-coded” clones. Chris walks through concrete examples from his own products, Ellie (planning), Luna (budgeting), and Amy (calorie tracking), showing how small details in animations, interactions, and haptics dramatically change how an app feels. We dig into mascots and illustrations, iconography and typography, widgets and Apple Watc...

Nov 24, 202547 min

Is Gemini 3 a 10x designer? I Wanted Proof.

On today’s episode I stress-test Gemini 3.0 in Google AI Studio to see how good it really is as a designer, not just a code generator. Across the episode, I ask Gemini to redesign my personal website in a Windows XP–inspired style, build a restaurant analytics SaaS dashboard, and create a workout mobile app inspired by the “Brain Rot” app. Along the way, I experiment with prompts, visual annotations, and reference images to see how well Gemini takes feedback. By the end, he’s rating each build. ...

Nov 21, 202529 min

I got a private lesson on Google's NEW Gemini 3.0 AI Model

Get a private, on-screen walkthrough of Google’s new Gemini 3.0 with Logan Kilpatrick. We vibe-code full apps, games, and product UIs in real time. You’ll see how to go from raw idea to working product in a single prompt, then iterate visually with design, features, and AI workflows. They turn an IdeaBrowser concept into a live talent-matching platform, screenshot-clone the IdeaBrowser UI, wire up a “generate tomorrow’s idea” feature grounded in Google Search, and even add co-founder matching on...

Nov 18, 202539 min

Screensharing $90M of Startup Finance Lessons in 32 Minutes

Master Your Cashflow (Templates Included): https://startup-ideas-pod.link/money-map On this episode, I share my simple financial operating system that helps me run my business. I share actual workflows that have saved one of my portfolio company from an 11-week runway crisis (when they thought they had 8 months), and the templates behind his 13-week cash tracker, Bear/Base/Bull decision framework, and one-page board report. This is a rare look inside the tactics I use to think about cash flow, d...

Nov 17, 202532 min

One Startup Idea, One Trend, One News Debate and One Framework

New format, same value. I cover one startup idea, one trend, one news debate, one growth framework, one AI tool, and one product recommendation. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:53 – Startup Idea 05:55 – Trend 08:17 – News Item 12:05 – Product Framework 15:31 – AI Tool 17:00 – Product Recommendation Startup Idea Solo Female Travel Safety Platform The problem: 84% of solo female travelers feel unsafe. No reliable platform answers basic safety questions. The solution: Map-based reviews where verified f...

Nov 13, 202520 min

Meet the AI Agent Turning Simple Prompts into Viral Content

On this episode we dive deep into Glif. This beginner tutorial shows how AI agents on Glif automatically optimize prompts and workflows to create scroll-stopping content. We demo four agents live: Mr. Beast-style thumbnails, miniature documentaries, AI influencer videos, and automated Reddit story content. Total cost: $2. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 03:35 – Nano Banana Ultimate 08:53 – Diorama Shorts Creator 15:49 – AI Influencer Generator 23:27 – TikTok Reddit Story Creator 32:28 – Conclusion and...

Nov 10, 202535 min

I Ranked Every Vibe Coding App (Cursor vs Claude Code vs Lovable)

Micky and I rank the top vibe coding apps in 2025, from Cursor and Claude Code to Lovable, V0, Bolt, Windsurf, and emerging mobile-focused platforms. They break down which tools work best for technical developers versus non-technical builders, discuss the trust and ecosystem factors that matter when choosing a platform, and share hard-won lessons about the mindset shift required to build software with AI assistance. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:11 – Windsurf 03:46 – Cursor 06:33 – Lovable, v0, Bo...

Nov 03, 202526 min

Vercel CEO Shows His v0 Workflow to Build 10X Faster (& 5 $1M+ AI Startup Ideas)

Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel and creator of Next.js, reveals exactly how he uses V0 to build products, pitch ideas, and ship features at startup speed. In this episode, he opens his personal V0 workflow, walks through the creation of his viral AI camera app (built in one afternoon), and shares a vault of free startup ideas you can build today, including conversational forms, AI opinion tracking, and multi-model research tools. This is a rare look inside how one of the most successful founders ...

Oct 29, 202553 min

Claude Skills: The NEW Way to Build AI Agents (Live Tutorial)

In this episode, Amir takes us through how to use Claude Skills to build digital employees. We cover practical demos including an A/B testing idea agent, marketing insight analyzer, and a live build of a tweet-to-newsletter converter. You'll learn what Claude Skills actually are, why they represent the biggest leap since sub-agents, and how to build them yourself—even if you've never written a custom AI workflow before. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:05 – What are Claude Projects 02:40 – Sub-agents...

Oct 27, 202533 min

I Documented How a Viral Video Gets Made in 45 Minutes

Get the Blueprint to create scroll-stopping videos impossibly fast and Roberto's Core Stack: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/video-protocol Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:21 - Roberto’s Recording Setup 05:00 - Script Writing Process 09:55 - Live Recording Video 13:00 - File organization system 16:12 - Editing Workflow 20:37 - Optimizing 23:17 - Incorporating Visuals 30:11 - Creating AI-generated visuals 33:57 - Caption creation and typography techniques 37:32 - Adding SFX and Music 43:17 - The Fina...

Oct 22, 202555 min

The 2026 Anti-Trend That Will Make Millions

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney about how businesses can thrive by going against current digital trends, particularly by offering premium in-person experiences while others focus on AI and virtual offerings. He shares how his company has successfully transitioned from digital-only to in-person events, charging higher prices for physical experiences that consistently sell out. The conversation explores how physical products and experiences create perceived value, authenticity, and scarci...

Oct 20, 202543 min

I Built an Entire App in Only 52 Min with Codex & Idea Browser

Go to https://startup-ideas-pod.link/idea-browser to get validated startup ideas every single day and prompts to build your big idea Join me as I chat with Alex Finn about going from no idea to building a functional app using AI tools. We use Idea Browser to find trending business opportunities, develop a wellness habit tracking app concept with ChatGPT, and build it using Codex's AI agents. The episode showcases how one person can leverage AI to find and build an idea into a product. Get the bl...

Oct 17, 202553 min

Genspark's Super AI Agent is INSANE

On this episode, I review Genspark's Super AI Agent platform, testing its capabilities across multiple business applications. I go through various features including multi-agent workflows that query multiple AI models simultaneously, AI image and video generation, presentation creation, spreadsheet analysis, and a mobile photo editing app. GenSpark positions itself as a comprehensive AI platform at a lower price point ($20/month) than competitors like Manus. Try Genspark for yourself: https://ww...

Oct 15, 202535 min

How I use Veo3 + Sora 2 to create Viral AI Videos (300M+ views)

Join me as I chat with PJ Ace from Genre AI as he breaks down his comprehensive process for creating viral AI videos that have garnered millions of views for clients like David Beckham and Origin Financial. He demonstrates how to use a combination of AI tools to script, generate images, animate characters, and edit professional-looking commercials. The conversation also explores how emerging technologies like Sora will transform the industry while emphasizing that great creative ideas will remai...

Oct 13, 202544 min

Making an Entire Year's Revenue on Black Friday WEEK

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, 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 01:01 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses 02:51 - Types of Black Friday Sales 09:40 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG1 13:40 - Premium brand approaches to Black Friday sales 18:25 - Bundling Products for Black Friday 24:40 - Startup I...

Oct 10, 202536 min

I got a private lesson on OpenAI's NEW Agent Builder

Join me as I chat with Amir about how to use OpenAI's new Agent Builder to create a multi-agent chatbot workflow that can classify user inquiries, provide customer support, and capture lead information. The video showcases how to build a complete solution using vector stores for context, logic nodes for decision-making, and ChatKit for website integration, all without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Overview of Agent Builder 02:13 - Overview of ChatKit 03:...

Oct 08, 202527 min

Inside Dan Koe's AI Content Engine

Get the exact blueprint to Build A Content Engine Like Dan Koe (Prompts Included): https://startup-ideas-pod.link/content-engine Join me as I chat with Dan Koe where he shares his content creation system that allows him to efficiently produce high-quality content across multiple platforms. He explains how he uses Twitter as a testing ground for ideas, then repurposes successful content for newsletters, YouTube videos, and other social platforms. Dan demonstrates how he uses AI tools to research ...

Oct 06, 202551 min

How I'd use Sora 2, Claude, and Perplexity to generate 1M+ views

On this episode I share a comprehensive framework for creating viral videos using Sora 2, Perplexity, and Claude. The process involves researching viral formats with Perplexity, using Claude to generate and evaluate video concepts based on audience psychology, and finally implementing those concepts with Sora 2. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 -Why Sora 2 gives you an unfair advantage 03:02 - Using Perplexity as a research agent 06:07 - Generating concepts with Claude 09:15 - Evaluating concepts...

Oct 04, 202519 min

Making $$$ with Mobile Apps ($100K MRR Formula)

On this episode I breakdown the frameworks for building a $100K MRR mobile app. We dive deep into how to find a niche daily habit to serve, validating demand before building, and creating a strong first-win experience for users. We discuss proper pricing strategies (typically $7-40/month), retention mechanics like streaks, and a multi-channel growth approach combining organic content, referrals, and eventually paid acquisition. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:06 - Overview of $100k Mobile App Bluep...

Sep 22, 202533 min

My n8n AI agent scrapes Google Maps and makes $$$

Find $30k/mo local businesses you can start. Get the guide: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/AI-Boring-Business Join me as I chat with James, the Boring Marketer, as he shares how to use AI to identify profitable "boring" local business opportunities that are overlooked by most entrepreneurs. He demonstrates a workflow that scrapes Google Maps data to validate market demand and customer pain points, then uses that information to create targeted content. James emphasizes focusing on underserved nic...

Sep 19, 202527 min

This App Hit 2M Users with Creators Who Had 0 Followers (Here's How)

Join me as I chat with Cody Schneider where we dive deep into how brands can leverage short-form content creators instead of traditional influencers to achieve better marketing ROI. He breaks down the economics of creator partnerships ($900/month for daily content across platforms vs. $2,000 for a single influencer post) and demonstrates how the for-you-page algorithm allows creators with zero followers to potentially reach massive audiences. The strategy works particularly well for mobile apps,...

Sep 17, 202528 min

The YouTube Loophole Printing $1M+ for SaaS Startups Right Now

Join me as I chat with Cody Schneider about the power of using YouTube Creators for influencer marketing. Cody explains a step-by-step playbook for acquiring customers through YouTube creator partnerships. The strategy involves reaching out to 100+ creators in your niche, offering a three-video package plus affiliate commission, identifying which creators drive the most conversions, then putting top performers on monthly retainers. This creates a scalable system where you eventually have dozens ...

Sep 15, 202527 min

what the heck is GEO (AI search, rankings, $$$)

Cody Schneider explains that while AI search (GEO) generates buzz, it currently offers high-converting, qualified leads (10-40% conversion) for businesses with long purchasing decision cycles, such as SaaS, local services, or niche e-commerce. He details how AI search "fans out" queries to scrape top Google results. Optimizing involves identifying and securing brand mentions on these referenced URLs, offering quick, impactful results despite the potential risks of algorithm changes.

Sep 12, 202524 min

This Solopreneur Called Me to Fix His $20k/mo SaaS

Join me as I chat with Jack Friks, founder of PostBridge and marketer Gabe Fletcher about how to address PostBridge's 20% churn rate. Gabe provides a strategic framework for reducing churn, including creating a community around the product, embedding Jack's personality into the tool, collecting better user data, and developing a unique product metric. The conversation explores how positioning, pricing, and user experience can be optimized to increase retention. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction a...

Sep 10, 20251 hr 12 min

How I Run a $1M+ Startup with AI (7 Workflows You Can COPY Today)

Join me as I chat with Rowan Cheung about how he uses practical AI workflows that help his small team at The Rundown operate like a much larger organization. He demonstrates how they use AI for content creation (including AI avatars and writing assistance), business operations (meeting scheduling and email management), and team efficiency (onboarding and research). Each workflow includes specific tools, prompts, and implementation strategies that listeners can adopt for their own businesses. Tim...

Sep 08, 202543 min

Meet the AI Meme Millionaire

Join me as I chat with Ben Benkhin, Creator of WOMBO, about how he built mobile apps that achieved over 250 million downloads by identifying emerging AI technologies and making them accessible through simple, user-friendly interfaces. His first app, Wombo, allowed users to animate selfies to sing popular songs, while Dream was an early art generator that predated tools like Midjourney. Ben emphasizes the importance of studying viral content formats and creating apps that help users easily produc...

Sep 03, 202538 min

Master Cursor AI in 29 Minutes with Their VP

Join me as I chat with Lee Robinson, VP of Developer Experience at Cursor, as he shares practical tips for maximizing productivity with Cursor's AI coding tools. He demonstrates how to structure prompts, create custom commands, and leverage agents for everything from bug fixes to code reviews. The conversation highlights how AI tools are making software development more accessible while enabling developers to build higher quality products with less effort. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Using...

Sep 02, 202530 min

Turning Vibe Coding Into Real Money (Google/Meta Ads, HeyGen etc)

Join me as I chat with Cody Schneider, where we go through a comprehensive marketing playbook for founders of "vibe-coded" startups, focusing on paid acquisition strategies that deliver immediate results. He walks through the exact process of setting up Google Ads campaigns with proper keyword targeting and conversion tracking, then explains how to create effective Facebook/Instagram ads using AI-generated content. The emphasis throughout is on testing multiple creative variations and optimizing...

Aug 30, 202549 min

Google's Nano Banana is an INSANE AI Image Editor (FULL Demo)

Join me as I chat with Logan Kilpatrick about Google's new Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model (Nano Banana), he showcases its capabilities for image generation and editing. We explore practical applications including creating marketing assets, product placement, and interactive experiences, all accessible through Google's AI Studio platform. The conversation highlights both the technical capabilities and business opportunities for developers or vibe coders to build innovative products with this techno...

Aug 27, 202528 min
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