Hacks & Hobbies is where passions turn into profit stories.
Host Junaid Ahmed interviews entrepreneurs, creators, and builders who are turning what they love into real momentum—income, confidence, community, and impact. Expect practical takeaways on podcasting, video content, home studios, personal branding, systems, and mindset—so your next idea doesn’t stay “someday.”
If you’re building something (a show, a brand, a business, a better version of yourself), you’ll feel at home here.
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
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James Showalter — From Hurricane Survival to Disrupting a $100B Industry (Founder of Signature Solar, EG4 & Solar 76)
Season 8 · Episode 11
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 42:38
He survived hurricanes, built a system in his backyard — and then built a company that took on the solar incumbents.
In this raw, curiosity-driven conversation James Showalter explains how necessity, grit and obsessive customer focus turned a DIY garage project into a hardware and battery empire that scaled to tens of millions without VC. Expect candid stories about broken batteries, brutal permitting, value-driven pricing, and the moment he decided to build a “Solar Home Depot.”
James unpacks practical technical lessons, the human side of selling resilience, and the strategic playbook he used to scale with tight cash, multiple “exit doors,” and a relentless obsession with transparency. If you want to understand how everyday homeowners can actually win against the power company — and why batteries matter more than you think — this episode is a field guide.
Key takeaways:
How blackout-driven curiosity evolved into a repeatable business model for resilient home energy.
Why upgradeability, batteries and honest pricing beat flashy sales tactics every time.
The procurement and risk-management tricks James used to scale to $70M without VC.
Why whole-home battery backup changes the value equation of residential solar.
The regulatory and permitting bottlenecks that block adoption — and practical workarounds.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro: How hurricanes shaped a founder’s obsession
01:53 — The spark: First DIY systems and early tech mistakes
05:14 — Doubling capacity: panels vs. batteries — what actually moved the needle
08:59 — From hobby to business: the moment neighbors became customers
12:04 — Breaking industry norms: building a transparent “Solar Home Depot”
16:51 — Scaling without VC: cash discipline, exit doors and procurement plays
23:39 — Why batteries matter: whole-home backup vs. day-only solar
Guest links:
LinkedIn (James Showalter):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-showalter-9a0599156/
SEO & distribution notes (optional to include with episode):Use keywords: James Showalter, Signature Solar, EG4, Solar76, DIY solar, battery backup, residential energy independence, solar permitting, solar procurement. Suggested episode description for platforms: “James Showalter explains how hurricane survival led to building a solar hardware business that prioritizes transparency, batteries, and real resilience — scaled to millions without VC.”
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Tom Freiling — Publishing Powerhouse: Why AI Is Forcing Authors to Become More Human
Season 8 · Episode 9
Monday, April 6, 2026 • Duration 43:10
From telemarketing to shaping New York Times bestsellers — Tom Freiling’s publishing journey is a lesson in curiosity, grit and human storytelling.
In this episode Tom pulls back the curtain on 30+ years in publishing, the shift from bookstore gatekeepers to Amazon-era discoverability struggles, and why the rise of AI makes the uniquely human elements of a book more valuable than ever.
Tom shares hard-won operational lessons (how a bootstrap mindset scales), the mistakes that make self-published books “dead on arrival,” and practical frameworks for coaches, founders and creators who want to turn lived experience into a book that actually sells.
Five key takeaways
The bookstore era vs. the Amazon era: discoverability changed — best‑seller lists and reviews now act as gatekeepers.
Bootstrapping shapes smarter decisions: founders without outside capital often make fewer costly mistakes.
Common rookie error: one small oversight in writing, packaging or distribution can make a book DOA.
AI is accelerating book production, but readers detect the lack of genuine human voice — inject your story, imperfections and point of view.
Break a book into bite-sized chunks and always write with the reader’s problem/solution in mind, not just your life story.
Timestamps
0:00 — Intro: How Tom’s accidental telemarketing job became a 30‑year publishing career3:30 — The Viktor Frankl lesson: why concise, meaningful books win readers’ hearts8:00 — Then vs. now: bookstores as gatekeepers and the Amazon discovery problem12:35 — Building to acquisition: first‑mover advantage + bootstrap discipline17:00 — Common first‑time author mistakes that kill book launches (DOA books)22:45 — Print on demand vs. large runs: logistics when a book unexpectedly sells out23:50 — AI and authorship: spotting AI manuscripts, why human stories still matter31:25 — Practical starter steps: breaking the book into chunks and focusing on reader outcomes
Guest links
Website: https://freilingagency.com
Recommended reading mentioned
Viktor Frankl — Man’s Search for Meaning
SEO & diary-style pitch (one-liner for socials) A raw, curiosity-driven conversation with Tom Freiling — from selling books by phone to shepherding bestseller authors — about why AI will flood the market, and why the human story is now the competitive advantage every author needs.
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The Pricing Coach Who Built a 6-Figure Practice from One Podcast & Zero Traditional Marketing - Robin Waite
Season 8 · Episode 3
Monday, March 16, 2026 • Duration 28:32
What if one podcast interview could replace four and a half years of marketing?
In this powerful conversation, business coach and author Robin Waite reveals how he built a six-figure coaching practice not through funnels, ads, or endless content—but through partnerships, patience, and radical alignment. After burning out from posting “a squillion times” on social media and following every marketing guru’s playbook, Robin walked away from the noise and doubled down on three simple assets: speaking, podcasts, and books.
He breaks down how one appearance on Ali Abdaal’s Deep Dive brought him over 3,000 leads, £250,000+ ($300,000) in revenue, and more clients than four and a half years of social media ever did. Robin explains the real mechanics behind high-leverage partnerships, why helping other people’s teams can be your secret backdoor into powerful rooms, and how solopreneurs can build trust-based ecosystems without playing the “tit for tat” game. This episode is a masterclass in value-led networking, authentic positioning, and building a business that doesn’t burn you out.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Robin went from burnt-out marketer to building a six-figure coaching practice with fewer clients and more freedom
The exact partnership strategy that turned one podcast appearance into 3,000 leads and £250k in revenue
Why instant gratification marketing (likes, comments, shares) keeps solopreneurs broke and exhausted
How to build trust and access with big creators by supporting their teams first
The inner work of figuring out who you are so your brand, pricing, and partnerships finally align
Key Takeaways
Fewer clients, more revenue: Robin’s philosophy is to double your revenue with half the clients—fewer sales calls, less marketing, more depth and delivery.
The power of one podcast: A single appearance on Ali Abdaal’s Deep Dive generated 3,000 leads and roughly £250,000 in business, outperforming years of scattered social media.
Activity ≠ results: Four and a half years of content and paid support for social media generated the same number of email subscribers as one well-placed, deeply aligned podcast interview.
Partnerships over platforms: Robin intentionally built relationships with creators like Ali Abdaal, Simon Squibb, Chris Do, and Daniel Priestley, focusing on values alignment and adding genuine value—not chasing clout.
Timestamps
00:01:12 – Burnout from doing “everything right” in marketingRobin shares how repurposed content, ads, and posting nonstop across platforms left him exhausted and underwhelmed by the results.
00:03:37 – The 3 marketing strategies that actually workedSpeaking on stages, podcast interviews, and books—the only channels Robin consistently saw real ROI from over nine years.
00:04:46 – How one partnership changed everythingThe behind-the-scenes story of how Robin built a relationship with Ali Abdaal, offered to coach his team for free, and got invited onto Deep Dive.
00:05:38 – 3,000 leads from one interview: the numbers revealed1,500 leads in 90 days, 3,000 over a year, hundreds of signed books shipped worldwide, and roughly £250k in revenue from a single podcast.
Guest Links
Website: https://www.robinwaite.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RobinMWaiteLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/RobinMWaite
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Chad Willardson (Wealth Advisor): The Hidden Habit That Keeps Entrepreneurs Broke and Burned Out
Season 7 · Episode 49
Friday, August 15, 2025 • Duration 18:35
Why do so many entrepreneurs achieve financial success but end up with broken personal lives?
In this episode, Chad Willardson—founder of Pacific Capital and Platinum Elevated—shares the truth about building wealth while keeping your family and health intact. From leaving Merrill Lynch after the 2008 recession to building his own firm, Chad reveals the hidden traps that keep entrepreneurs overworked, unhealthy, and unfulfilled, and how to break free.
🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why most entrepreneurs unknowingly sacrifice family and health chasing growth
The #1 challenge holding entrepreneurs back: refusing to give up control
Why proper delegation and teamwork lead to better home and business outcomes
How Chad built a life where success means winning at home and in business
The role of community and coaching in creating lasting breakthroughs
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Chad’s story: from Merrill Lynch to starting Pacific Capital
03:30 – Success at home and in business: why both matter
07:00 – The trap of control and what it costs entrepreneurs
12:00 – Why balance is a myth but intentional focus works
18:30 – Platinum Elevated: building communities that push you higher
📌 Connect with Chad:
Website: chadwillardson.com
LinkedIn: Chad Willardson
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Charley Johnson: The Radical Leadership Shift That Will Transform Your Company Forever
Season 7 · Episode 48
Thursday, August 14, 2025 • Duration 26:10
Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re diving deep into a revolutionary concept that’s transforming the way companies operate: integrating consciousness into business.
Our special guest, Charlie Johnson, shares his powerful journey and introduces us to the groundbreaking role of the Chief Consciousness Officer—a position designed to elevate awareness, creativity, and connection within organizations.
We’ll explore how this subtle yet profound shift can reduce conflict, burnout, and division, while boosting openness, authenticity, and purpose.
Plus, we’ll discuss the intersection of consciousness and artificial intelligence, and why true leadership means nurturing both the minds and souls of your team. If you’re ready to rethink company culture and discover the root of lasting success, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s get started!Where to reach our Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take away
Integrating consciousness into business through roles like Chief Consciousness Officer can profoundly reduce conflict, burnout, and division, while fostering creativity, openness, and authentic connections within organizations.
Traditional wellness programs and conscious leadership initiatives often fall short because they address symptoms rather than the root cause—consciousness itself. Sustainable change requires a foundational shift in awareness at every level of the company.
Leaders should prioritize self-education on consciousness, expand their awareness, and focus on authentic engagement with their teams to create a healthier, more purpose-driven workplace culture.
Connect with our Host Junaid
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?
Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
E748A - Charley Johnson - How to Build a Conscious Company Culture and Transform Leadership in the 21st Century
Season 7 · Episode 48
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Duration 29:29
Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the future of leadership with our special guest, Charley Johnson. Charley brings over 20 years of business experience, seven years leading the Pay It Forward Foundation, and a decade of spiritual mentorship to the table.
Together, we explore what it means to be a Chief Consciousness Officer and why this role is becoming essential in the modern workplace. Charley shares how true transformation in organizations starts with expanding awareness—not just at the executive level, but throughout the entire company.
We discuss the power of presence, the importance of bridging corporate, nonprofit, and personal growth, and how consciousness can unlock new levels of creativity, connection, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to rethink leadership and discover practical steps to build a more conscious culture, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Stay tuned as we challenge old paradigms and uncover the next evolution in business and life!Where to reach Our Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take away
The future of leadership requires expanding awareness throughout organizations, not just at the executive level—introducing the need for a Chief Consciousness Officer to help embed consciousness into company culture.
True transformation in business comes from bridging corporate, nonprofit, and personal development, and recognizing that consciousness is the foundation for creativity, connection, and fulfillment.
Practical steps to build a more conscious culture include being fully present in interactions, questioning old paradigms, and making awareness and neutrality central to leadership and daily operations.
Connect with our Host Junaid
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?
Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ron Souers (ADHD Advocate): How Podcasting Became the Secret Weapon for Thriving With ADHD
Season 7 · Episode 47
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • Duration 17:51
Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re joined once again by Ron Souers, who’s back to share more of his inspiring journey with ADHD.
In our last episode, Ron opened up about embracing ADHD as a unique strength, and today, we’re diving even deeper—exploring how podcasting has become a powerful creative outlet and a tool for focus and self-expression.
Ron reveals the routines and systems that help him stay consistent, the importance of curiosity and building relationships, and how he’s turned challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re living with ADHD or just looking for ways to boost your creativity and productivity, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.
Plus, don’t miss Ron’s special resource: “3 Simple Hacks to Get Curious,” available at Advocate.xyz/hacksandhobbies. Get ready for an honest, uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own journey and keep moving forward. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guest
www.dadhdwss.com
@ronsolo813 Hacks to take away
Embracing ADHD as a Strength: The episode highlights how understanding and accepting ADHD can transform it from a perceived weakness into a unique strength, especially when channeled into creative pursuits like podcasting.
The Power of Routines and Systems: Establishing daily routines and systems—such as consistent sleep, morning rituals, and planning content in advance—helps maintain focus, productivity, and consistency, which are crucial for success in podcasting and life with ADHD.
Building Curiosity and Connection: Developing curiosity and fostering deeper relationships are essential for personal growth and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. The episode also shares practical resources, like “3 Simple Hacks to Get Curious,” to help listeners engage more meaningfully with themselves and others.
Connect with our Host Junaid
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?
Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
E747A - Ron Souers - How to Embrace ADHD as a Superpower and Thrive in Everyday Life
Season 7 · Episode 47
Monday, August 11, 2025 • Duration 20:17
Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! Today, we’re diving into the world of ADHD—not as a challenge, but as a superpower. I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and joining me is Ron Souers, a regular guy with an extraordinary story. Ron opens up about his journey with ADHD, from childhood diagnosis to turning workplace struggles into opportunities for growth.
We’ll explore how embracing his unique brain wiring has helped Ron find focus, passion, and resilience, and how mindfulness and the right support have made all the difference.
Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of the journey. And stay tuned—next time, we’ll dive into how podcasting and ADHD combine to create something truly powerful. Let’s get started!
Where to reach Our Guest
www.dadhdwss.com
@ronsolo813 Hacks to take away
Embracing ADHD as a Strength: The episode highlights how recognizing and accepting ADHD can transform it from a challenge into a unique asset, allowing individuals to leverage their creativity, passion, and focus when engaged in meaningful activities.
The Importance of Mindfulness and Support: Ron shares how mindfulness practices and seeking professional support, such as therapy, have been crucial in managing ADHD, reducing anxiety, and improving daily life.
Overcoming Stigma and Finding Community: The conversation emphasizes the value of talking openly about ADHD, seeking help, and connecting with others who understand the journey, which helps reduce stigma and fosters personal growth.
Connect with our Host Junaid
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?
Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jayna Swan: The Little-Known Secret to Consistently Creating Content While Balancing Life and Family
Season 7 · Episode 46
Friday, August 8, 2025 • Duration 23:44
Welcome back, hobby hackers! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of content creation and emotional resilience with the incredible Jayna Swan.
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with your content, felt overwhelmed by life’s chaos, or wondered how to balance your passion with family and business, this episode is for you. Jayna shares powerful insights on why understanding your “why” is the foundation for success, and reveals her unique frameworks for harnessing both masculine and feminine energies in your creative process.
You’ll learn how to set boundaries when working from home, create systems that support your flow, and discover simple, actionable steps to overcome overwhelm and get inspired again. Plus, we wrap things up with a fun survival challenge for content creators! So grab your headphones, get ready to take notes, and let’s hack our way to more joyful, consistent creation. Let’s get started!
Our Guest
https://www.jaynaswan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jayna.swanhttps://www.healthyemotionalregulation.com/apphttps://www.instagram.com/healthyemotionalregulation
3 Hacks to take away
Discovering and connecting with your deeper “why” is essential for staying motivated and avoiding burnout as a content creator.
Setting clear boundaries and using visual cues (like lights or signs) helps balance work and family life, especially when working from home.
Leveraging both structured (masculine) and creative (feminine) energies—by scheduling separate times for scripting, recording, editing, and posting—enables more consistent and inspired content creation.
Connect with our Host Junaid
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?
Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jayna Swan: How Emotional Regulation Transforms Pain Into Power in Life and Business
Season 7 · Episode 46
Thursday, August 7, 2025 • Duration 24:10
What if your greatest pain could become your greatest teacher?
In this conversation, I sit down with Jayna Swan—founder of HER (Healthy Emotional Regulation) Embodiment Retreats—to explore how emotional regulation saved her life and became the foundation of her mission. From enduring years of physical pain and trauma to discovering the connection between emotions and health, Jayna reveals how facing pain head-on unlocks resilience, strength, and clarity in both life and business.
🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why ignoring emotional pain often turns into physical illness
The biggest misconceptions about emotional regulation in business
How to sit with emotions (instead of suppressing them) to find clarity
The role of co-regulation and why it matters for parents, leaders, and teams
Jayna’s “tunnel of pain” metaphor and how to keep walking until you reach the light
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Jayna’s journey: from surgeries to self-discovery
07:00 – How physical and emotional pain are deeply connected
11:30 – The tunnel of pain: learning to walk through instead of getting stuck
15:00 – Misconceptions about emotions in business decisions
20:00 – Co-regulation: how to calm others by grounding yourself
23:00 – Why movement is the first step in Jayna’s “Five M’s” for emotional health
📌 Connect with Jayna:
Instagram: @jayna.swan
Website: jaynaswan.com/retreats
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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