Kasey Jones ( @ABetterJones ) is a maven in the realm of authentic online identity. As an entrepreneur who has weathered the storm of digital exposure, Kasey joins me to dismantle the barriers of vulnerability and self-doubt that so often plague professionals as they carve their space in the social media landscape. In a world where sharing too little leaves you invisible and sharing too much can overwhelm, Kasey walks me through the art of strategic self-revelation. If you're grappling with impo...
Jan 10, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Founders often listen to the wrong signals when validating their businesses. Let's dive into common validation traps today. I see three major traps indie hackers have to face: 1) confusing users with customers , 2) getting a bit too much support from our founder peers , and 3) listening to the wrong segments of our user base. Why do we listen to the wrong people? Founder optimism! We have a built-in confirmation bias — otherwise, we'd never do something as stupid as building our own business... ...
Jan 05, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kevon Cheung (@MeetKevon ) is an expert builder-in-public. The moment his life pivoted with the birth of his daughter is where our conversation begins, and it's a profound one. As we traverse Kevon's journey, we uncover the raw intricacies of aligning one's personal mission with one's entrepreneurial spirit. He bares the soul of his SaaS venture, giving us a real-world look at the trials of founding a company while emphasizing the critical role of a financial safety net. This is a story about au...
Jan 03, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 2023 saw an explosion of AI. 2024 will make 2023 look like cheap fireworks next to the Death Star's superlaser. SaaS founders either go with the flow or are swept away. Here's where I see AI tooling going, how software founders can adapt and adopt these technologies, and what consumer expectations around conversational AI will mean for your marketing, customer service, and feature roadmaps. This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/ai-and-the-futu...
Dec 29, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dominic Monn ( @dqmonn ), the pioneering founder of MentorCruise, shares the secrets behind building a flourishing online mentorship community that transcends the traditional face-to-face model. Dominic reveals how MentorCruise fosters authentic relationships between mentors and mentees through a rigorous verification process, ensuring a trusted and effective learning environment. Whether you're a mentor, a mentee, or just curious about the virtual mentorship space, this episode offers a wealth ...
Dec 27, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast The holidays are a season when our priorities clash particularly often. And for me, Christmas is also a time for re-evaluating choices, making long-term plans, and preparing for another year of building a legacy. So, let's do some fear-setting: what can go wrong? What would I do? How can I prevent it? Today, you'll hear me go through this very important exercise for my new SaaS Podline. Peek behind the curtain of a serial entrepreneur and how I approach building something worth building. This ep...
Dec 22, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nicolas Cole (@Nicolascole77) , co-founder of Ship30for30, will teach you why indie hackers should embrace writing as a transformative tool in their arsenal. He sheds light on the common misconception that writing pales compared to coding for developers, but illustrates how writing can be a vehicle for desirable outcomes like zero-cost customer acquisition and recognition within the industry. Listen in as he shares the secret of building a timeless library of content, emphasizing how past writin...
Dec 20, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast I've always been a fan of no-code tools. But recently, I stumbled into AI-assisted coding. And that has changed everything for me. Initially, I considered leveraging no-code for Podline but I soon realized they didn't quite meet my unique needs. This led me to discover the transformative power of AI-assisted coding, which has dramatically accelerated the development process. The fabled 10x developer? We all thought it was a person, but it's really a language model. In this exploration, I've come...
Dec 16, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Khe Hy (@khemaridh ), the brilliant mind behind Rad Reads and the Examined Life podcast, shares his introspective journey through the multifaceted world of perceived success, happiness, and self-imposed barriers. We talk about the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and we dive deep into our personal narratives, examining the cost of chasing success and the true value of contentment. This episode also delves into the subject of mental health, authenticity in the digital age, and the unique experi...
Dec 13, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm working on a new SaaS, and I'm sharing the journey from day one. Today, I'll introduce you to my market, early tech stack choices, the financials of the business, and how I am setting deadlines to make sure I don't over-engineer the whole thing. Say hello to https://podline.fm , my newest project! A voice messaging system that focuses on podcasters who need to manage significant amounts of audio messages. Step by step, I'll take you along the journey of idea, market validation, budget analys...
Dec 08, 2023•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amanda Natividad (@amandanat ) is an expert in marketing and writing. She talks about using humor and strong marketing skills to understand what people on social media like — and what resonates strongly enough to make them do things. We discuss making content that's not just different, but interesting and true to your audience. Among many intriguing stories, one cool thing she mentions is how Rand Fishkin started following her (and how she overreacted to it!). But it worked out. She quickly foun...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Let's dive headfirst into the crazy world of starting your own business. We're going to chat about how "running your own show" can be freeing, but also comes with its own set of challenges. We'll explore what it really means to be your own boss – making your own rules and calling the shots in your business. But, let's not forget, the journey of an entrepreneur is all about grabbing those chances and trying out different things to hit it big. Join me as I share my own stories and draw inspiration...
Dec 01, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew Hudson ( @MyBuddyAndrew ) is an indie hacker who has taken an unconventional journey. From getting his hands dirty as an auto mechanic to now paving the way as a software entrepreneur, Andrew shares how skills honed in the garage fuel his tech ventures, Hauling Buddies and WrenchRadar. We get under the hood of his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running a two-sided marketplace for pet transportation and how his knack for logical thinking and compartmenta...
Nov 29, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you’re shopping for books this Black Friday, here are the 15 most impactful books I read before and during my SaaS founder journey. From entrepreneurship to marketing and customer interaction, you’ll have a lot to put on your Black Friday shopping list. My own work is available for 50% off on Gumroad for a few days, too. Use the code BFF for Zero to Sold , The Embedded Entrepreneur , and Find your Following . And now, let’s grow your library with the likes of Rob Walling, John Warrillow, Mich...
Nov 24, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rob Walling (@robwalling) unpacks the fascinating world of SaaS businesses, touching on topics like scaling, diversification, and the role of AI in SaaS projects. Rob shares his unique stair-step approach to building a SaaS business and paints a realistic picture of the challenges faced by a SaaS founder and the potential rewards of running a successful SaaS company. The man has released almost 700 podcast episodes about bootstrapping SaaS businesses. He knows how that works, from the birds-eye ...
Nov 22, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can we master the art of managing constraints and turning obstacles into opportunities? With intentional choices. Join me as I candidly share my experiences of juggling a media business and several SaaS businesses — while still making time for a life beyond business. You'll discover the techniques I use to stay focused, consistent, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's about setting boundaries, creating one-to-many processes, and being intentional with your time. This episode is spo...
Nov 17, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Channing Allen (@channingallen ) is the co-founder of Indie Hackers. Today, Channing and I uncover the secrets of thriving in the indie hacking scene from someone who is wrangling thousands of Indie Hackers every day. We delve into intriguing discussions that debunk the myth of the 'death of indie hacking' and guide you through the complexities of building a robust community where collaboration and competition coexist. Learn how constraints can inspire creative problem-solving, and the effects o...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Should you build an indie business on top of OpenAI? Absolutely. It's not in OpenAI's interest to build niche solutions that compete with indie hacker startups. It's in their interest to enable them. Today, we dispel a myth about building AI startups. The community is caught up in a strange back-and-forth between “look at all these amazing opportunities” and “don’t build, OpenAI is just going to make your startup evaporate.” If you’re an indie hacker and you wonder which of these is actually hel...
Nov 10, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you truly know yourself? Have you ever wondered about your multidimensional identity —the many layers of who we are and to whom— and the role it plays in finding your purpose? Well, Sakshi Shukla knows, and she's going to take you on her journey of self-discovery. Today, I delve into a profound conversation with Sakshi about her transformation from a medical professional to a successful content strategist, and the pivotal role self-awareness played in this journey. And of course, how she foun...
Nov 08, 2023•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does it even mean to be " authentic" online? Just posting things you want other people to see? Sharing everything, treating people like friends? Or maybe it's being extremely professional at all times. With audiences in the hundreds, 1000s, and millions, the old rules of what it means to be yourself in front of others don't apply anymore. We have to recontextualize our self-presentation online, to be able to both feel like we are ourselves and to make our audiences feel that they get to see...
Nov 03, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dickie Bush ( @dickiebush ) discusses Ship 30 for 30, a movement he started to transform writing from a solitary to a communal activity, now a structured course. Along with Nicholas Cole, their partnership propelled Ship 30 to new heights. They emphasize the role of community and social media like Twitter in refining ideas and building credibility. Our discussion contrasts digital and traditional writing, explores content creation challenges like imposter syndrome, and shares tips for resonating...
Nov 01, 2023•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Indie Hacking Isn't Dead — It's Just Less Hacky. The transformation of Indie Hacking over the years creates new challenges and opportunities for Indie Hackers in today's competitive landscape. The shift from community-driven collaboration to a more competitive environment makes distribution and expertise more relevant than ever. Indie Hacking has evolved into a lifestyle that requires skill and strategic distribution. Discover the strategies and approaches reshaping the Indie Hacking landscape, ...
Oct 27, 2023•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast My guest today, Pieter Levels, claims that "Indie Hacking is dead." Yet, Pieter runs several indie AI startups (and a few traditional ones), totaling $250,000 in revenue every month. So, how can he be a successful indie hacker while dismissing the foundations of his work? It turns out that Indie Hacking is very much alive. But it has changed significantly. And Pieter has been there from the early days. Today, Pieter and I talk about what it means to be an Indie Hacker in the age of AI tools, pla...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of being a creator, but it is an incredibly powerful tool to make long-term friends and, ultimately, more money. Today, we’ll dive into how creators can leverage being accessible as a driver for growth. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/accessibility-for-profit/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3179a05c The video: https://youtu.be/IJlgfUQFTFo You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfoun...
Oct 20, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast We hire specialists. Deep knowledge in one field, not many skills in all the others. We value and celebrate specialists with promising career paths, titles, and promotions. Can generalists exist in a world of such intricate and complex work requirements? The person who made me realize that it's possible is Milly Tamati , a staunch defender and empoweress of generalists all over the world. I chatted with Milly about the employability of people who don’t fit into a category, why generalists are th...
Oct 18, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I explore the world of microcommunities - small, but incredibly lucrative communities. I examine how microcommunities are different from general online communities, and how they offer valuable opportunities for creators to distribute and monetize their work. I discuss the income-generating potential of being part of, or even starting, these microcommunities, and how the key lies in their single-minded focus on a specific topic. With an interaction between members and progress that is much...
Oct 13, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Journey with me as we dive deep into Aaron Francis' transformation from a coder to a teacher. Discover the intricate dance of building in the open. Aaron lays bare his path, detailing how he crafted his screencasting masterclass and managed to balance his day job, side hustle, and family life, all while forging his unique brand. In this episode, we unpack the looming shadow of criticism and how the mere thought of being ridiculed can paralyze many of us. The paradox? Embracing this very fear mig...
Oct 11, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever felt annoyed seeing someone else selling a copy of something you made? It's a problem many small business owners face. Today, I'm diving into how to protect your ideas and keep others from copying them. It's not just about having a great product. I'll show you how to strengthen your business by reaching more people and making a name for yourself. Being active online and sharing your work can make a big difference. Also, having a business isn't just about protecting your ideas, but making sm...
Oct 06, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is a masterclass in personalized marketing. Brennan even convinces me to ramp up my own efforts! Listen in as I uncover the power of personalized marketing with Brennan Dunn, author of 'This is Personal.' Brennan offers valuable insights into how indie hackers and solopreneurs can best learn about their customers and utilize that knowledge for revenue generation. He explores why personalization works, how audience segmentation should be done, and where data collection should start, providin...
Oct 04, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are you tired of the mainstream narrative that success as a software developer can only be pegged to the scale of your projects or the economic output of your code? This episode of Bootstrap Founder challenges that perception. With a focus on the inspiring journey of indie hacker Tony Dinh, we delve into the beauty of simple, practical solutions. Rather than grandeur and disruption, we explore the significance of niche appeal and how meaningful success can be achieved outside the realms of billi...
Sep 29, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
