The n8n Masterclass

Dylan Watkins - n8n

Welcome to The n8n Masterclass. I’m Dylan Watkins. Each week we break down real business wins using n8n and AI automation. You’ll learn what worked, why it worked, and what broke along the way. Founders, automation experts, and AI agencies share how they use n8n to simplify operations, scale delivery, and move faster without adding more people. The n8n Masterclass is not about tutorials or tech jargon. It focuses on the real business side of automation, the frameworks, decision patterns, and creative problem solving that turn workflows into results. You’ll leave every episode with one principle, one pattern, and one action you can apply this week to grow your business, reduce manual work, and unlock the potential of automation. If you’re building a business that runs on smart systems, AI, and no-code tools, this is your playbook for scaling with n8n. Follow The n8n Masterclass and start using automation as your competitive edge.

  1. 22/12/2025

    Stop Vibe Coding: Context Engineering & RAG for AI Agents with Cole Medin

    In this episode, we sit down with Cole Medin, CTO of Automator and expert in applied AI, to dive deep into context engineering, RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), and building scalable AI workflows. Cole shares practical strategies for cutting through the noise in the AI space, designing effective prompts, and moving from prototypes to production-ready systems. Whether you’re an AI builder, developer, or just curious about the latest in automation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice.  00:00 – Introduction: The challenge of too much “fluff” in the AI space and how to focus on what matters.  00:22 – Meet Cole Meine: Background, expertise, and his mission in applied AI.  01:59 – What listeners will learn: Context engineering, RAG, and moving workflows to production.  02:40 – The origin of context engineering: Why treating prompts and context as engineered resources matters.  03:49 – Vibe coding vs. context engineering: The importance of specificity and reducing assumptions.  06:18 – Practical steps for context engineering: Mindset shift, planning, and using AI to ask clarifying questions.  08:47 – Success criteria and user journeys: How to define what “done” looks like for AI projects.  12:36 – How much time to spend on planning: Product requirement docs and upfront investment.  13:54 – Favorite AI coding tools: Cloud Code, Codex, and Google’s Anti-Gravity.  15:23 – Staying up to date in AI: Research strategies and the value of community.  18:09 – Introduction to RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation): What it is and why it matters.  20:41 – How RAG works: Embedding models, vector databases, and semantic search.  24:45 – Metadata filtering in RAG: Multi-tenancy, hierarchical search, and business use cases.  28:46 – Handling messy data: ETL/ELT pipelines and preparing data for AI agents.  32:06 – Scaling workflows: Moving from n8n prototypes to production code (Python/TypeScript).  34:38 – Deployment strategies: Frontend, backend, and cloud hosting options.  37:13 – The importance of version control: Using GitHub for safe states and CI/CD. 40:05 – Final advice: Start simple, build your process, and customize your system.  41:15 – Where to find more: Cole Meine’s YouTube channel for more on RAG and context engineering. Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    50 min
  2. 15/12/2025

    The 5 Steps to Building Apps People Actually Want with Stephen Pope

    In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Pope, a tech founder who built and sold a seven-figure software company, to uncover the real steps behind building SaaS apps that people actually want. Stephen shares his journey from agency work to productization, revealing how he created the Content Engine Database and scaled it to $50K+ months. 00:00 – Introduction & Stephen’s Background 01:23 – The Drive to Build: Early Entrepreneurial Spirit 02:45 – What Does Automation Really Do? 04:47 – Building a $5K SaaS Product with AI 07:11 – The Value for Listeners 08:47 – Stephen’s Process for Engineering SaaS Products 10:16 – Solving Your Own Problems: The Content Engine Database 12:54 – Going Viral and Finding Product-Market Fit 15:12 – From Agency Work to Productization 18:20 – How the Content Engine Database Works 22:03 – Organizing Content for Scale 25:00 – Repurposing Content & Automation 28:15 – Using AI and Automation in Content Creation 31:00 – The 5 Steps to Building SaaS Apps People Want 36:00 – Lead Generation, Funnels, and Project Management 40:00 – The Importance of Organization 44:00 – Finding the Right Customers 48:00 – Iteration, Feedback, and Community 52:00 – Overcoming Distractions and Staying Focused 56:00 – Final Advice & Where to Find Stephen Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    1h 1m
  3. 08/12/2025

    The Moment Automation Changed My Business Forever with Oskar Kramarz

    In this episode, we sit down with Oskar, an automation developer and YouTube educator, to explore the world of business process automation using n8n. Oskar shares his journey from solving everyday business problems to building advanced workflows, including autonomous web scraping, lead generation, and custom dashboards. We discuss practical use cases for both businesses and individuals, the importance of experimentation, and how to identify the best opportunities for automation. Oskar also highlights the power of community, the latest features in n8n, and offers advice for anyone looking to get started with automation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you automate and innovate. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Overview 00:26 Autonomous Scraping Workflow 01:46 Lead Generation Use Cases 03:41 Automating Business Processes 06:25 Currency Exchange Workflow 08:34 Home Budgeting Automation 10:48 Entry Points to n8n 13:19 Flexibility & User Interface 15:54 Handoffs with Developer Teams 17:15 Custom Dashboards & Business Use Cases 21:11 Material Selection Chatbot 24:45 Multi-Agent Features in n8n 27:01 Debugging & Production Readiness 31:00 Identifying Automation Opportunities 33:10 Learning & Experimentation 36:31 Community & Collaboration 39:00 Final Advice & How to Connect with Oskar Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    40 min
  4. 24/11/2025

    Six Key Areas for Service Business Automation with Jono Catliff

    Discover how Jono, founder of Automatable and DJing.ca, scaled his service business using automation and AI tools like n8n. In this in-depth interview, Jono shares actionable strategies for automating lead generation, sales, proposals, and more, saving time and boosting revenue. Learn about proven blueprints, real-world success stories from his community, and step-by-step frameworks for freelancers and agencies. Whether you’re new to automation or looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with practical tips, case studies, and inspiration to help you leverage automation for maximum impact. 00:00 - Introduction to Jono and Catliff 00:16 - How Automation Scaled His Business 00:32 - Value of n8n for Time and Money 01:26 - Six Key Areas for Service Business Automation 04:04 - Jono's Wedding Photography Business Journey 05:06 - The 60-Second Lead Call Strategy 06:25 - Building the Lead Response Workflow 08:56 - Automating Proposals, Contracts & Invoices 09:56 - Copy-Paste Templates for Quick Wins 11:35 - Service Business Automation Framework 13:32 - Getting Started with Upwork 13:47 - Tim's Success Story: First Month Results 16:45 - Why Start with Upwork Over Other Platforms 19:41 - LinkedIn Strategy for Lead Generation 22:39 - Do Something Epic, Then Talk About It 23:38 - Julian's $75K Month Success Story 25:06 - The Power of High-Level Masterminds 27:31 - Providing Value Before Selling 27:51 - Joseph's Voice AI Agent Success 30:42 - Most Resellable Automation Systems 33:52 - Stacking Leverage with Automation Catalogs 34:30 - Andy's $60K Retainer Deal Strategy 35:34 - Building Social Proof for Higher Prices 38:42 - How to Connect with Jono Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    40 min
  5. 14/11/2025

    Human and AI: Finding Authenticity in Automated Content with Jay Enrique from RoboNuggets

    In this episode of the n8n podcast, host Dylan interviews Jay Enrique, also known as RoboNuggets, about AI content generation and automation. Jay discusses his journey from TikTok to leading an AI agency, the use of n8n as an orchestrator for AI workflows, and the impact of AI on content creation. They explore the benefits of AI in automating content, the role of human creativity, and the future of AI in various industries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & The Power of AI in Ads 01:07 TikTok Growth & Content Repurposing 01:44 Maximizing Margins with AI 01:56 Welcome to the Podcast 02:17 Jay’s Content Creation Journey 02:55 Main Use Cases for AI Content Generation 03:45 Using AI for Logo Animation & Quality Content 04:24 AI Agents & Prompt Engineering 05:04 Lowering Barriers with Automation 05:26 AI Agents for Video Generation 05:45 Podcast to Short-Form Content 06:25 B-Roll & Eye Fatigue Solutions 07:14 Who Benefits Most from AI Content Creation? 07:59 Impact on Margins & Workflow 08:34 AI Video Models & Industry Shifts 09:08 Human Creativity vs. AI Generation 09:45 Human-in-the-Loop Workflows 11:02 Mind-Blowing AI Videos & Prompt Engineering 12:47 Tech Stacks & Model Leaderboards 14:16 Measuring ROI & Analytics 15:54 Trends in AI Ads & Testing 17:06 Authenticity in AI Content 18:24 Automation in Social Media Growth 19:07 Instagram & ManyChat Automation 20:32 Transparency & Building Trust 21:08 Advice for AI Content Creators 22:08 Applying Originality & Niche Content 23:03 Building Integrity with Your Audience 25:00 The Value of Transparency in Automation 26:00 AI-Generated Content Fails & Viral Moments 27:00 The Stoicism Lion Video & Niche Tutorials 28:00 Applying Technical Skills to Your Interests 29:00 Creating for Yourself & Your Audience 30:00 Educational, Inspirational, and Entertaining Content 31:00 Jay’s Personal Content Creation Pipeline 32:00 Cross-Posting & Automation Workflows 35:00 The Importance of Delivering on Promises 36:00 How to Avoid Losing Trust with Your Audience 37:00 The Role of Authenticity in Social Media 38:00 The Future of AI in Content Creation 39:00 Finding Your Niche & Combining Interests 40:00 Final Reflections & Staying Ahead in AI 42:00 Community, Tutorials, and Closing Thanks Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    43 min
  6. 07/11/2025

    Used cases for deploying voice agents in SMB and enterprise with Jannis Moore

    In this conversation, Jannis Moore discusses the integration of voice AI with n8n, highlighting its benefits for businesses. He explores various use cases, including lead qualification, customer support, and appointment setting, emphasizing the importance of prompt engineering and measuring ROI. The discussion also touches on the impact of voice AI on employee happiness and the challenges of navigating complex tech stacks. Jannis shares insights on human-AI collaboration, particularly in customer service, and the value of warm transfers in enhancing customer experience. 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - The power of voice AI for businesses 03:05 - Four core Voice Agent solutions 05:10 - Welcome & guest introduction 06:08 - Connecting voice AI to backend systems 09:20 - Use cases: Voice agents in different industries 11:27 - Lead qualification and reactivation explained 14:00 - Adding value with lead reactivation 16:06 - Customer support automation with voice AI 18:00 - The art of prompt engineering 21:00 - Markdown and structuring prompts for AI 24:00 - JSON vs Markdown in AI prompts 26:45 - Voice AI for small businesses and after-hours calls 29:00 - ROI and value of voice AI solutions 32:00 - Employee happiness and human error reduction 35:00 - AI evaluation and ongoing improvement 38:00 - Reporting and dashboards for voice AI performance 41:00 - Sales training and AI-driven analysis Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.

    41 min

About

Welcome to The n8n Masterclass. I’m Dylan Watkins. Each week we break down real business wins using n8n and AI automation. You’ll learn what worked, why it worked, and what broke along the way. Founders, automation experts, and AI agencies share how they use n8n to simplify operations, scale delivery, and move faster without adding more people. The n8n Masterclass is not about tutorials or tech jargon. It focuses on the real business side of automation, the frameworks, decision patterns, and creative problem solving that turn workflows into results. You’ll leave every episode with one principle, one pattern, and one action you can apply this week to grow your business, reduce manual work, and unlock the potential of automation. If you’re building a business that runs on smart systems, AI, and no-code tools, this is your playbook for scaling with n8n. Follow The n8n Masterclass and start using automation as your competitive edge.

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