Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Junaid Ahmed
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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

  1. 52 MIN AGO

    From Couch Potato to Fitness Freak: How Leo Gestetner Built Global Businesses Without Burning Out

    What if the real flex isn’t how big you build your business, but how fully you live your life while building it? In this episode, Junaid sits down with entrepreneur and endurance athlete Leo Gestetner, a man who went from being 95 pounds heavier and non-athletic to running marathons, completing triathlons, and building global teams — all while protecting his health, family, and freedom. Leo breaks down how he shifted from chasing success at all costs to designing a sustainable, balanced life where business fuels his lifestyle instead of consuming it. He shares how he thinks about health span vs. lifespan, why “what gets scheduled gets done” is the most underrated performance hack, and how hitting “the wall” in marathons taught him everything he needed to know about entrepreneurship, failure, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not doing enough, struggled to find time for the gym or family, or wondered whether balance is even possible for ambitious entrepreneurs — this conversation will challenge how you see success, discipline, and your own potential. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a 13-year-old hustler turning one family computer into a business became a lifelong entrepreneur Why Leo believes balance is non-negotiable — and what that actually looks like day to day The mindset shift that took him from 95 pounds overweight to multiple marathons a year in his 50s How to protect your time and energy with one simple rule: what gets scheduled gets done Why hitting “the wall” in a marathon is the perfect metaphor for entrepreneurship and failure Timestamps [00:00] The question no one asks: What if success is about life, not just scale?Junaid sets the tone: most entrepreneurs chase growth until they run out of gas — Leo is here to show another way. [01:20] A 13-year-old and a second-hand computer: the first businessLeo shares how selling his family’s computer led to buying and selling second-hand PCs before the internet even existed. [02:49] Redefining success: from pure ambition to sustainable ambitionLeo explains why balance — family, health, fun — became more important than just “winning” in business. [03:55] From 95 pounds overweight to marathons and triathlons in his 50sThe transformation story: how Leo became the fittest he’s ever been later in life, and why he focuses on health span over lifespan. [06:53] What gets scheduled gets done: the discipline behind balanceLeo breaks down how he protects time for fitness, family, and business — and why entrepreneurs will always “feel busy” if they don’t schedule priorities. [08:15] Busy vs productive: escaping the trap of constant reactivityA candid look at being intentional, choosing what really matters, and planning for both business and personal life. [09:55] The wall: why most people quit and what entrepreneurs must learn from marathonersLeo shares a powerful quote on “the wall,” why it exists to keep others out, and how it mirrors the hardest moments in building a company. [17:32] Life as a digital nomad: pacing yourself for the long gameLeo talks about becoming a digital nomad, living across countries, and learning to pause, breathe, and play the long game in life and business. [19:34] Where to find Leo and what’s coming in Part 2How to connect with Leo and a teaser for the next conversation on protecting your energy and leading teams without losing yourself. Guest Links Website: https://leogestetner.com LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogestetner/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO ·  BONUS

    Award‑Winning Filmmaker & Brand‑World Architect: How to Live Your Story (Build a World, Not Just Content)

    Stop chasing virality. Start building a world.  In this episode Lefteris “Lefty” Koutinas — a 10x award‑winning filmmaker and branding strategist — takes us past tactics and into mythology: how to treat your life and business as a cinematic universe so your brand becomes a place people want to live in, not just another feed to scroll past. Over the course of this conversation we unpack universe‑building (characters, recurring environments, and antagonists), why “boring” routines are your richest story assets, and how entrepreneurs can document, sculpt and script their five‑year business story. Expect practical prompts you can use this week plus a mindset shift: personality, not gimmicks, is the currency that lasts. Key takeaways Universe > Viral: Build characters, recurring environments and conflicts so your work survives algorithm shifts. Document to discover: Observe daily rituals and behaviors — they’re the smallest, most repeatable story units. Define your enemy: A clear antagonist (copy‑paste culture, a system, fear) creates tension and attracts a loyal audience. Story as a plan: Treat your five‑year business plan like a screenplay — map characters, scenes and likely plot twists. Legacy over ROI: Create content your future family will want to watch; long‑term value beats short bursts of attention. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro: Why this episode goes deeper than “content” (Why Lefty treats storytelling like mythology) 2:40 — Universe building explained (MCU, Bluey, and why worlds keep people engaged) 7:26 — Live the story: how everyday routines are story assets (turn boring into cinematic) 20:00 — Core components of a brand world (characters, environments, and three conflict types) 25:50 — The villain every entrepreneur should name (copy‑paste culture & other enemies) 35:20 — Practical first steps: observe, note, and build character profiles this week 44:00 — Legacy thinking: create work your family will watch long after you’re gone Guest links & ways to find Lefty www.Lefteriskoutinas.comwww.YouTube.com/@lefteriskoutinas Episode actions (quick for creators) Today: Spend one hour observing and journaling five repeatable micro‑routines. This week: Pick one micro‑routine and film a 60–90s story around it (character + small conflict). Next month: Write a 1‑page “five‑year screenplay” of your business — list characters, scenes, and the enemy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min

  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    Filmmaker & Brand Architect: How to Build Cinematic Stories That Outlive Algorithms

    THIS IS YOUR PERMISSION TO STOP CHASING VIRAL HITS AND START BUILDING A WORLD. Lefteris (Lefty) Koutinas — 10x award-winning filmmaker, DJ-turned-storyteller and founder of the Persona Club — explains why entrepreneurs must think like directors, not content spammers. In this raw, cinematic conversation Junaid and Lefty unpick the mechanics of emotional storytelling: music first, lenses matter more than cameras, and short-form should be a trailer, not the whole movie. Five quick takeaways Treat your brand like a season, not a single post: consistent director, cohesive visual rules, and repeatable pacing build trust. Use short-form as trailers to funnel attention to long-form — that’s where the seven hours of relationship-building happens. Begin with sound and music — audio shapes emotion faster than visuals and defines the story before the camera rolls. Constraints win: limit gear, lenses, lighting choices and force creative coherence across episodes. Invest in a consistent creative lead (or be one). Cutting corners with mixed crews/styles kills narrative continuity. Timestamps 0:00 — Episode opener: Lefty’s mission to build worlds that outlive algorithms 2:30 — First spark: WWE cinematic storytelling that hooked a young Lefty 6:00 — The 1,000-story mission: why scale needs community (Persona Club) 11:10 — Nonverbal power: DJing taught Lefty how music moves audiences 18:30 — The short-form trap: why 30s content won’t build customers alone 22:50 — Shorts as trailers: a practical funnel from bite to binge 28:00 — Filmmaker’s checklist: lenses, natural light, and putting rules on projects Guest links & where to find Lefty YouTube: Search “Lefty Koutinas” or his “big fat origin story” (Lefty’s long-form work and trailers live here) Facebook: Lefteris Koutinas (Lefty) — personal/profile page mentioned on the episode Persona Club: Lefty’s community for DIY + Do-It-With-You storytelling (join via Lefty’s social links) Episode notes / production tips (quick, actionable) Before you pick up a camera: build a 1-page sonic palette (3 tracks + 5 SFX) to set mood. Choose one lens and one shot type per episode to create a signature look. Use 15–60s clips as trailers only — always include a clear CTA to the long-form episode. If you can’t keep a visual director, pay for one for your first season to lock the aesthetic. Want part 2? Lefty teases living the story — how hobbies, rituals and main-character energy feed cinematic brands. Tune for the next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  4. 11 MAY ·  BONUS

    Minimalist Podcasting Coach Who Built Audiences Without Fancy Gear (How to Launch, Scale & Stop Over‑Editing)

    Start small. Speak big. Ship fast.  Rory Paquette strips podcasting back to the essentials — showing creators how to launch and grow an audience without expensive gear, endless edits, or burnout. In this tactical episode Rory and Junaid map a pragmatic path from first recording to real growth using phone mics, Zoom, and simple social systems. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” setup, this episode is permission to start. Rory explains the minimum viable podcast, why editing and pre-interviews are productivity traps, and how consistent social posting turns platforms into free amplifiers — even before you ever buy an ad. Takeaways Start with what you have: phone or laptop + Zoom (or Riverside for phone recordings) + a host like Buzzsprout or Podbean. Don’t buy expensive consoles early — USB mics and headsets are fine until you have audience data. Ship your first 10 episodes unedited to learn your voice, workflow, and audience. Skip pre-interviews — save time, reduce friction, and record the episode instead. Use simple social tactics (reels, posts, stories) consistently to convince platforms you’re “serious” and earn organic reach. Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome back: Why we split the conversation into story (part 1) and tactics (part 2) 1:20 — Minimum setup that truly works: Zoom, Riverside, Audacity, GarageBand 4:40 — Biggest money-waste for beginners: mixing boards and over‑gear 9:05 — How to focus on content over equipment: define your avatar first 11:55 — Editing strategy: why Rory recommends no edits for your first 10 episodes 23:20 — Growth without ads: how consistent social posting convinces platforms to push you 29:30 — Burnout hacks: stop pre-interviews, use simple social assets and repurposing tools Guest links Instagram / Facebook: @RoryPaquette (search: Rory Paquette) Coaching & resources: find Rory on Facebook (RoryPaquette) — he primarily houses his work there Tools mentioned: Zoom, Riverside, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Audacity, GarageBand Episode close Rory’s message is blunt and liberating: you don’t need perfect sound to be heard — you need consistent content and a clear audience. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” or the “right kit,” this episode is the push to start now, iterate quickly, and let real listeners teach you what matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  5. 6 MAY

    The “Robin Hood of Podcasting” Who Wants You to Start Messy (How Minimal Gear, Minimal Editing & Maximum Courage Create Real Impact)

    Start messy. Start now. Stop paying for permission. In this intimate conversation, Rory Paquette — a former public speaker turned podcast coach who’s earned the nickname “Robin Hood of Podcasting” — dismantles the myths that keep aspiring podcasters stuck: you don’t need a $20k course, a perfect studio, or endless edits to be heard. Rory explains how his minimalist philosophy (phone-first, low-cost, low-edit) isn’t just a production hack — it’s a life strategy that frees creators to do the work that matters and build real communities. You’ll walk away with a practical, compassionate framework for launching a podcast (and many other firsts in life) without fear, debt, or perfectionism. This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought “I’m not ready” — and wants a clear, kind push to begin. 5 key takeaways “Robin Hood” mindset: Prioritize accessibility — teach people to start cheap and prove the craft before investing big. Start messy: Publish imperfect episodes to build competence and momentum; perfection kills progress. Minimal editing, maximum output: Less time in post = more episodes, more practice, more community. Podcasting as personal development: The mic magnifies your voice and refines how you show up in life. Tactical first steps: Record a 15-second test, publish Episode 1, iterate — don’t wait for the studio. Timestamps 0:00 — Opening & why Rory’s called the “Robin Hood of Podcasting” (origin story) 2:07 — The problem with predatory high-ticket programs (why most beginners get ripped off) 5:54 — From public speaker to podcaster: Rory’s pandemic pivot and purpose 13:53 — Minimal gear, minimal editing, more life: The core philosophy explained 17:29 — Common beginner mistakes: How overcomplication kills shows before they start 20:20 — Real examples: Rory & Junaid on first-episode train wrecks and why they matter 24:05 — Beyond the mic: Applying the “start messy” mindset to work, family, and leadership Guest links & resources LinkedIn: Rory Paquette (search LinkedIn for profile) Instagram: @RoryPaquette (search Instagram) Recommended starter course mentioned: Pat Flynn’s “how to start a podcast” (referenced in show) Note: Exact URLs and social links are available in the episode show notes at HacksAndHobbies.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  6. 4 MAY ·  BONUS

    Samurai Success Mentor Reveals the Hidden Identity Shift That Creates Your Destiny

    THIS EPISODE CUTS PAST THE SELF-HELP NOISE. In a raw, curiosity-driven conversation, David Alcott (author of Swords of Illumination) dismantles the “do-have” myth and teaches the Samurai-inspired framework that turns identity into destiny. This episode feels like a private coaching session: practical, emotional, and unnervingly simple. David walks Junaid through the first sword — Identity — and the ten-category balance that forces you to confront who you say you are versus what you actually do. They explore why practice and congruent behavior are non-negotiable, how entrepreneurs get stuck in ego-driven problem-solving, and what it looks like to choose solutions from the soul. If you want an actionable roadmap to shift behaviour, design a legacy, and move from short-term fixes to sustainable impact, this episode is a field guide. 5 Key Takeaways: Identity is the attractor: who you believe you are pulls the events that create your destiny. Be → Do → Have: practice congruent behaviors every day; small acts compound into transformation. Use the “10 Categories of Balance” to audit who you say you are across life domains (finance, family, health, spiritual, etc.). Ego solves short-term problems; the soul delivers sustainable, long-term solutions — learn to discern the difference. Legacy is not fame; it’s leaving things better than you found them by inspiring others to be their best. TIMESTAMPS (with hooks): 0:00 — Intro: Why “Swords of Illumination” matters more than a pep talk 1:05 — The First Sword: Identity as the Destiny Attractor 2:26 — The 10 Categories of Balance: A practical identity audit 4:48 — Moving from Theory to Practice: Why coaching and repetition are essential 9:20 — Ego vs Soul: How entrepreneurs get stuck and the alternative source 15:47 — Legacy Reframed: Leave things better, not just remembered 18:44 — How to dive deeper: Where to find David and next steps GUEST LINKS: https://www.samuraisuccess.com/https://www.instagram.com/samurai_success/https://www.youtube.com/@samuraisuccessinc.1101https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-c-olcott-1107bb1/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  7. 30 APR

    The Filmmaker Helping Entrepreneurs Escape the Short‑Form Trap and Build Cinematic Brands That Outlive Algorithms

    Most entrepreneurs are scrolling for ideas when they should be directing their own universe. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Lefteris “Lefty” Koutinas – a 10‑time award‑winning filmmaker and branding strategist from Toronto – who went from being a wrestling‑obsessed kid and touring DJ to crafting cinematic brand worlds for entrepreneurs. Lefty isn’t interested in content for content’s sake. He’s on a mission to help you escape the short‑form rat race and build stories that still matter decades from now. You’ll hear how WWE, Michael Keaton’s Batman, and 20 years behind the DJ booth shaped his philosophy of storytelling as nonverbal manipulation of emotion. Lefty breaks down why most founders are stuck chasing views instead of building legacy, how to think like the main character of your own universe, and why your biggest mistake on camera has nothing to do with the lens – and everything to do with the shortcuts you’re taking behind it. In this conversation, we explore: How WWE “cinematic matches” and Batman ignited Lefty’s obsession with storytelling Why he set the “unrealistic” mission of telling 1,000 life stories – and how he’ll still hit it The real danger of the short‑form content trap (and the math that proves it) How to think in “main character energy” and build a world, not just content The silent killer of most brand stories: changing directors, styles and standards mid‑journey Key Takeaways Storytelling vs. telling a story: We’re all connected by story, but true storytelling is the crafted journey of identity, emotion, and legacy – not just talking to camera. Nonverbal storytelling is king: From WWE to DJing, Lefty learned that movement, music, and energy often move people more than any line of dialogue. Escape the short‑form trap: If someone needs ~7 hours with you to buy, 30‑second clips mean hundreds of perfect views. That’s not a strategy; that’s a slot machine. Become the main character of your universe: Treat your life like a film – from how you wake up to how you make coffee – and your brand instantly becomes more cinematic and memorable. Your biggest mistake isn’t the story – it’s the shortcuts: Swapping videographers, styles, and “cheap fixes” destroys continuity. Great brands feel like a single, cohesive series, not a mash‑up of random episodes. Timestamps [00:02:30] The WWE moment that changed everythingHow a late‑night “cinematic match” and larger‑than‑life characters pulled a 9‑year‑old Lefty into storytelling. [00:06:10] The mission to tell 1,000 storiesWhy Lefty set an “impossible” goal, what it really means, and how his Persona Club helps him scale legacy. [00:11:27] From DJ booth to director’s chairThe 20‑year DJ career that taught him to move crowds through nonverbal communication – and how that translates into film. [00:15:02] Main character energy and world‑buildingHow to stop seeing yourself as “just a person with a camera” and start living like the protagonist of your own cinematic universe. [00:18:46] You’re not competing with creators – you’re competing with NetflixWhy YouTube now looks like Netflix, what that means for attention, and how to think beyond social media bubbles. [00:20:26] The short‑form addiction and the 7‑hour ruleLefty breaks down Google’s “7 hours” trust metric and why pure short‑form is keeping you broke and burnt out. [00:26:09] Gear myths, lenses, and the rules that shape your filmWhy lenses matter more than cameras, why constraints create better stories, and how to design a visual language for your brand. [00:30:33] The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make on cameraHow shortcuts, cheap hires, and inconsistent directors silently kill your story – and what to do instead. Guest Links – Lefteris “Lefty” Koutinas www.youtube.com/@lefteriskoutinaswww.yourlegacyfilmmakeracademy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  8. 29 APR

    Founder of Samurai Success on Recreating Your Identity, Building Destiny, and the Lessons Behind Swords of Illumination

    Short description In this intimate conversation, David Olcott peels back the myths of “finding yourself” and reveals how we actually create who we become. From the Florida Keys to touring with Tony Robbins, championship ice hockey and stunt-riding, David maps the real mechanics of identity, learning curves and destiny — then shows how leaders can intentionally design both their inner narrative and outer results. Across this episode David blends storytelling, martial metaphor and hard-earned coaching tools to explain: why identity is the origin of outcome, how to recover energy trapped in old memories, and the step-by-step mindset he used to go from beginner to champion. If you want practical, emotionally honest ways to rewrite your future — this episode is for you. 5 key takeaways Identity is the conveyor belt: who you say you are shapes every experience and determines the destiny you attract. Coaching is the bridge from inspiration to sustained action — people need daily reminders and accountability to translate breakthroughs into life change. The master-student mindset accelerates learning; drop the evaluator/teacher ego and stay curious to shorten the learning curve. Recovering stored emotional energy from past memories frees the resource you need to exit ruts and perform at a higher level. “Samurai” as a model = service to others; self-creation is both personal mastery and a commitment to show up for others with integrity. Timestamps (5–7 highlights) 00:00 — Opening & origin story: Growing up on Big Pine Key and the curiosity that launched a career 03:40 — From finance to Tony Robbins: the crucible moment that turned sales into coaching 08:00 — The seminar-to-life gap: why people fall back after big events and how coaching fixes it 14:00 — The power of metaphor & the master-student shift that accelerates growth 20:40 — Swords of Illumination: the self-creation fable and why “create” beats “discover” 27:00 — Identity as destiny: how to reprogram who you are to change outcomes 29:25 — Practical recovery: reclaiming energy from old memories to get out of a rut Guest links and where to find David Olcott https://www.samuraisuccess.com/ https://www.instagram.com/samurai_success/ https://www.youtube.com/@samuraisuccessinc.1101 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-c-olcott-1107bb1/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
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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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