Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Junaid Ahmed

This is more than a podcast — it’s a space for dreamers, builders, and creators who believe that passions aren’t just pastimes… they’re the seeds of purpose and profit. Each episode uncovers real stories, practical strategies, and powerful lessons to help you build confidence, authority, and success. From hobbies to business breakthroughs, discover how your passion can become your purpose — and your legacy. 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Junaid’s book Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

  1. 16 HR AGO · BONUS

    How to Think Like a Wealthy Founder (Even If Your Finances Feel Like Chaos)

    Most entrepreneurs are not failing because of their product… they’re failing because of their numbers. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Paden Squires, founder of Squires Tax Planning, who has quietly helped business owners save tens of thousands of dollars and rebuild their relationship with money. This isn’t a “tax tips” episode. It’s a deep dive into identity, behavior change, and the simple financial habits that separate stuck founders from those who compound wealth year after year. Paden shares how Ray Dalio’s “Principles”, radical transparency, and his own philosophy of integrity and alignment shape the way he coaches entrepreneurs. From saving a client $30,000+ in taxes with a few structural moves, to spotting patterns in thousands of tax returns, Peyton reveals how the real unlock isn’t a secret loophole—it’s the willingness to face your numbers, do the work, and change who you are as a business owner. If your finances feel overwhelming, confusing, or “not your thing,” this conversation will show you where to start, what to focus on, and why tiny daily decisions with money are the real superpower. 5 Key Takeaways Radical transparency beats guesswork – borrowing from Ray Dalio, open dialogue and honest feedback lead to better financial decisions. Identity comes before strategy – real financial growth starts when founders decide to change who they are, not just what they do. Emotion drives most money decisions – childhood money stories often control your financial behavior more than spreadsheets do. Small daily wins compound into wealth – tiny, consistent actions with your finances matter more than big, one-off moves. Avoiding your numbers is the real risk – sticking your head in the sand with money only delays the pain; transparency and feedback are the way out. Timestamps [00:00] The boring secret behind business success: why principles matter more than tactics [01:06] Ray Dalio, radical transparency, and how hedge fund thinking applies to small business [03:31] Peyton’s core principle: integrity, alignment, and being the same person in every room [04:23] Why smart people make “illogical” money decisions (and how childhood shapes your finances) [06:02] The $30,000 tax win: a simple structural shift that most accountants never look for [08:21] The identity shift of a founder: from chain-smoking construction worker to ultra-runner and 4x revenue [10:52] Small daily financial habits, using AI on your statements, and where to start when you feel overwhelmed Guest Links Website: https://www.squirestaxplanning.comPersonal Site: https://www.padensquires.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/padensquiresFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089855132002LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paden-squires-cpa-cfp-19681a1aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PadenSquiresApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-their-success-advice-for-entrepreneurs/id1723352366Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sXtqL6QHmDykXRJRFX71W?si=1760bcbc08dc4130&nd=1&dlsi=a1622ac901c2497a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min
  2. 16 HR AGO

    The CPA Teaching Entrepreneurs How to Stop Flying Blind With Their Finances

    Most entrepreneurs are building impressive businesses on a completely broken financial foundation. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Paden Squires, a CPA, CFP, and founder of Squires Tax Planning, who walked away from the corporate world to help business owners finally feel in control of their money. Paden reveals why even multi–million-dollar businesses are often a financial mess behind the scenes, why “just hiring a CPA” isn’t enough, and how simple systems, the right tools, and proactive tax planning can completely change the trajectory of your business and your life. This conversation is a roadmap for solopreneurs and small business owners who are tired of dreading tax season, guessing from their bank balance, and hoping it will all “work out somehow.” Paden breaks down how to think about profit, how to pay yourself, what numbers actually matter, and how to use AI and systems to build a business that doesn’t depend on you grinding 70 hours a week. You’ll walk away seeing finances not as fear, but as a framework for freedom. 5 Key Takeaways Most entrepreneurs are flying blind financially – even multi–million-dollar businesses often have chaotic books and zero decision-making insight. You can’t outsource responsibility for your numbers – you don’t need to be a CPA, but you must understand your own financial statements. Tax planning is an opportunity, not a bill – proactive, year-round strategy can legally save tens of thousands, far beyond basic tax prep. Systems and tech are the real leverage – AI tools, CRMs, and structured processes turn overwhelm into clarity and scalable growth. Solopreneurs must stop “running the business by the bank account” – intentional profit targets (like Profit First) and simple tracking change everything. Timestamps [00:00] The fear of finances and why entrepreneurs secretly dread their numbers [01:36] Leaving corporate: why Paden burned the bridge and started from his living room [02:38] The shocking truth: inside the messy finances of multi–million-dollar businesses [04:54] The biggest money misconception: “I’ll just hire someone to handle it” [08:18] Tax prep vs tax planning: how most business owners are leaving money on the table [11:54] Inside Paden’s clarity sessions: finding $20K–$30K in tax savings in a single review [15:02] Systems, CRMs and AI: building a business that doesn’t rely on you [20:26] Profit First, paying yourself, and why the bank balance is lying to you Guest Links – Paden Squires (Add or update once available for this episode’s show notes.) Website: https://www.squirestaxplanning.comPersonal Site: https://www.padensquires.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/padensquiresFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089855132002LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paden-squires-cpa-cfp-19681a1aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PadenSquiresApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-their-success-advice-for-entrepreneurs/id1723352366Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sXtqL6QHmDykXRJRFX71W?si=1760bcbc08dc4130&nd=1&dlsi=a1622ac901c2497a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  3. 2 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    The Inspiration Engineer Who Turns Personal Brands into Legacies (Not Just Followers) - Cauveé [kaw-vay]

    What if your brand wasn’t a business, but your legacy? In this powerful conversation, Junaid sits down with Kaveh, the Inspiration Engineer, to unpack what it really takes to build a legacy-driven personal brand in a noisy world. This is not another fluffy branding chat—this is about systems, mindset, and the uncomfortable truth that most “personal brands” fail because they never get past vanity metrics and free-99 thinking. Kaveh breaks down how he audits a brand, why templates don’t work, and the brutal reason most creators burn out or stall financially. From monetizing a tiny podcast audience to understanding when you must pay to play, he shares the exact mental shifts and strategic moves high performers need to make to turn content into conversions, impact, and a life they’re proud of on their deathbed. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why being “legacy-driven” changes every decision you make in your business The real reason most personal brands collapse within a few years How to turn your skills, story, and presence into a tailored brand strategy Creative, underrated ways to monetize a podcast beyond sponsorships How high performers can avoid burnout while still playing at a world-class level Key Timestamps [0:01:12] Legacy vs. fame – Kaveh explains what being legacy-driven really means at the end of your life. [0:02:48] The first move in building a brand – Why Kaveh always starts with a brutal audit, not a content plan. [0:05:47] Why most personal brands fail – Clarity, conversions, and the patience problem. [0:08:06] “My podcast isn’t growing” – Kaveh’s live breakdown of a struggling podcaster’s real issue. [0:11:22] Monetizing when you’re not “big enough” – Smart ways to use brands, proof, and digital products. [0:12:04] The lie of “free-99 growth” – Why you must invest (time, money, or both) if you want real numbers. [0:17:41] Burnout in high performers – How Kaveh coaches driven creators to protect their energy and longevity. [0:21:00] The message 100 years from now – Kaveh’s final word on breaking out of society’s boxes. 5 Big Takeaways Legacy over likes: Kaveh isn’t trying to be famous—he’s optimizing for the moment on his deathbed when he can say he truly impacted people’s lives. Audit before strategy: Every client starts with an audit of presence, skills, and assets—no templates, only tailored frameworks built around where they already are. Clarity equals conversion: Most brands die because they’re unclear on their message, audience, and offer—no clarity means no sales, and no sales means no brand. Stop chasing free-99: The biggest myth in the creator economy is that you can scale purely organically; serious numbers come from intentional financial investment or serious time investment (and usually both). High performers burn out in silence: Even the best struggle with belief, vision, and systems—coaching, delegation, and pre-scheduled rest are non-negotiables, not luxuries. Guest Links http://www.inspirationengineer.com https://open.substack.com/pub/cauvee https://www.youtube.com/@Cauveé http://www.linkedin.com/in/Cauvee http://www.facebook.com/Cauvee http://www.instagram.com/Cauvee https://cauveecreative.com/youtubemusic https://cauveecreative.com/Spotify https://x.com/cauvee?s=21&t=EFcP2Pz_VSApJuAOUCYvtw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  4. 11 FEB

    Cauveé [kaw-vay] The Inspiration Engineer: How Motivation Music, Adversity & Personal Branding Turn You Into Your Highest Self

    What if the very adversity that tried to break you was actually the blueprint for your breakthrough? In this powerful conversation, TED speaker, coach, artist and strategist Cauveé – The Inspiration Engineer – breaks down how he transformed doubt, failure and “you can’t do that” into a repeatable framework for energy, execution and elevation. From selling out his first concert at 18, to missing the mark in a 3,500-seat auditorium, to helping clients break six figures and build rockstar personal brands, Kaveh shows that success isn’t an accident – it’s engineered. We dive deep into his SIP Method (Strategy, Instruction, Programming), why most people stay stuck in reasons instead of results, and how motivation music™ can rewire your subconscious faster than any speech. If you’ve ever felt like your dreams are bigger than your current reality, this episode gives you the mindset, tools and frameworks to finally close that gap. In this episode, you’ll learn: How one painful moment with his father turned Kaveh into “public enemy number one” – and ignited his life’s mission. Why adversity is the “gym” for your character and how to use it without burning out. The SIP Method and how Strategy, Instruction & Programming work together to build a rockstar personal brand. Why programming your subconscious matters more than getting “more information” or a better tactic. How motivation music™ leverages emotion, story and sound to hardwire new beliefs and performance. Timestamps [0:00] The Origin of The Inspiration EngineerHow Kaveh’s childhood, extroverted energy and early love for humans shaped his mission. [3:12] “You Can’t Do That” – The Moment That Changed EverythingThe father conversation that turned doubt into fuel and led to a sold‑out concert at 18. [6:26] From Local Fame to Life PurposeThe big win, the big flop, and the university coaching moment that redirected his entire career. [10:32] The SIP Method & Rockstar Personal BrandsBreaking down Strategy, Instruction & Programming – and why VCs are eyeing creator portfolios. [16:31] The Creator Economy, AI & What Will Actually Stand OutWhy diluted AI content will make real creativity, story and differentiation more valuable than ever. [18:44] Reasons vs Results: Reprogramming Your Default MindsetHow excuses, self‑sabotage and misaligned energy quietly destroy opportunity – and what to do instead. [28:33] Motivation Music™: Engineering Inspiration Through SoundThe science, stories and process behind putting speeches on beats and using music to rewire belief. Key Takeaways Adversity is design, not defect: you can choose the pain of discipline or the pain of regret – but you will pay either way. Most people don’t fail from lack of strategy; they fail from misaligned programming in their subconscious. The SIP Method combines strategy, instruction and programming so you don’t just know what to do – you become the person who does it. Personal brands are becoming portfolios: the next wave of investable “assets” are creators with multiple monetization streams. Music is an underused transformational tool: the right words on the right beat can bypass resistance and lock new beliefs into your nervous system. Guest Links http://www.inspirationengineer.com https://open.substack.com/pub/cauvee https://www.youtube.com/@Cauveé http://www.linkedin.com/in/Cauvee http://www.facebook.com/Cauvee http://www.instagram.com/Cauvee https://cauveecreative.com/youtubemusic https://cauveecreative.com/Spotify https://x.com/cauvee?s=21&t=EFcP2Pz_VSApJuAOUCYvtw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  5. 9 FEB · BONUS

    The Man Using AI To Let You Live Forever (Without Being Rich Or Famous)

    What if your great‑grandchildren could sit down and talk to you… 100 years from now? In this emotional and mind‑bending conversation, entrepreneur  Steve Endacott reveals how he’s building Life Echo – an AI-powered legacy platform that lets anyone, not just billionaires and celebrities, preserve their voice, stories, and values for future generations. Steven shares the deeply personal story of losing his mother to dementia, how that pain led to building a “digital echo” of a life, and why he believes every “ordinary” person has an extraordinary story worth saving. We dive into the technology behind conversational AI autobiographies, the ethics of talking to someone after they’ve died, how this can transform grieving, and what AI really means for work, wealth, and meaning in the next decade. This episode will change how you think about memory, death, and legacy—and what you do with your next five hours on earth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Life Echo turns a few short interviews into a 60‑page autobiography and an interactive AI “you” Why Steven believes only the rich being remembered is one of our greatest cultural failures The ethical rules they built to stop AI legacy from damaging the grieving process How AI, automation and “digital twins” could drive 25% unemployment—and what must change The small, practical step you can take today to start building a real legacy (beyond your LinkedIn bio) Timestamps 00:00 – Why almost nobody is remembered after three generations 02:10 – From Neural Voice to the world’s first AI MP for Parliament 06:45 – The birth of Life Echo: an AI version of you that speaks after you’re gone 08:40 – Dementia, dignity, and using AI to help people remember who they are 12:20 – Ethics, grief, and why Life Echo sets limits on how much you can use it 15:18 – Money, meaning, and why Steven stopped just building businesses 18:15 – AI, robots, and a future where 25% of people may not have jobs 19:56 – The one simple step to start building your legacy today Guest Links Life Echo Website: UK: https://www.lifeecho.co.uk US (launching): https://www.lifeecho.com Steven Endacott – LinkedIn: Search “Steven Endacott Life Echo” on LinkedIn Projects Mentioned: Newell River – Steven’s incubator (for Neural Voice and other AI ventures) Electric Car Organisation – Steven’s climate-focused give‑back initiative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  6. 4 FEB

    How to Retire from Your Business Without Killing Its Growth (AI, Startups & the “Gray Hair” Advantage)

    What if you could build a company you never have to run again—yet it keeps growing, thriving, and changing lives? In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with entrepreneur, investor and mentor Steven Endacott, who sold his travel and insurance businesses (including Holiday Taxis for $60M) and then chose a new game: helping the next generation of founders build AI-powered companies he never has to operate. Steven reveals the model behind his incubator, where experienced “gray hairs” and young AI natives build disruptive B2B products together. He breaks down how to find people you can actually trust, how to structure equity so it doesn’t trap you later, and why most founders get “replacing themselves” completely wrong. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back from the day-to-day without stepping away from impact, this conversation is your blueprint. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Steven sold his companies and rewired his identity from operator to chairman The powerful model pairing “gray hair” experience with young AI talent Why you should never lock in all your co-founder equity on day one How to find, test, and keep the right people in high-speed startups Why most AI opportunities are B2B, not B2C—and how to think like a real disruptor Timestamps [00:00] The setup: building a business you never have to run again [01:59] Selling Holiday Taxis for $60M and choosing a new game [02:40] The Newer River model: gray hairs, young AI grads, and shared equity [04:32] Engines vs cars: how to actually win with AI in business [06:57] Who can you really trust? Building teams that move ultra fast [09:26] The biggest mistake founders make when replacing themselves [11:11] Why most AI startups fail—and how Steven recycles top talent Guest Links www.steveendacott.co.uk www.lifesecho.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min
  7. 2 FEB

    How Scott Durham Quit $10/hr & Built a 6‑Figure House Flipping Machine (Without HGTV Fairy Dust)

    Most people watch house flips on TV. Scott Durham figured out how to own the deal in real life. In this episode, Junaid sits down with real estate investor and coach Scott Durham, who went from a $10/hour hotel job to flipping houses and building a repeatable system for wealth. Scott pulls back the curtain on his first flip, how he almost priced himself out of his own deals, and the simple math he still uses today to know—within seconds—if a property is worth the risk. If you’ve ever binged HGTV, scrolled past “before and after” photos on Instagram, or told yourself “I just need to learn a bit more before I start,” this conversation will hit hard. Scott exposes the real numbers behind TV flips, why “research without action is just entertainment,” and how ordinary people with no construction background can step into real estate with the right mentors, community, and mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Scott went from hotel front desk to top agent to profitable flipper The exact back‑of‑the‑napkin formula he uses to spot real deals fast Why overthinking and underestimating costs both kill beginners—and how to avoid both Creative ways to fund your first flip, even if you don’t have the cash The mindset + community shifts that turn a one‑off flip into a real business Timestamps 00:00 – From $10/hour hotel job to real estate insider 03:39 – The first flip: clueless with contractors, $50k in profit 07:08 – What HGTV never shows you: the real costs of flipping 11:10 – The simple formula Scott uses to know if a deal is worth it 16:00 – “I don’t have the money” – funding flips with other people’s cash 20:29 – Surviving fear, 2008 scars, and the mental game of real estate 27:20 – Scott’s one piece of advice if you’re on the edge of your first deal Guest Links – Scott Durham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real.scottdurham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  8. 28 JAN · BONUS

    How to Productize Your Expertise, Build Learning Assets & Scale Without Burnout

    If your book, course, or expertise is sitting on a shelf, this episode is for you. Junaid sits down with learning strategist Parchelle Tashi, founder of The Author’s Leverage, to unpack how authors, coaches, and experts can turn years of experience into powerful, scalable learning assets that create income, impact, and freedom. They dive into how to productize your expertise, choose the right format (course, membership, licensing, B2B, enterprise, or experiences), and design learning that people actually use—not just binge once and forget. You’ll also hear Parchelle’s concept of “stickiness” for digital learning, the Learning Leverage Loop, and how to build systems that make your IP live far beyond one-to-one delivery. You’ll learn: How to productize what’s in your head into step-by-step assets that others can implement The framework for choosing between B2C, B2B, B2E, and live experiences as profit paths The Five I’s learning journey and how to meet your audience where they really are Why community and feedback loops are the real engine of sustainable growth Practical tools (like Notion and Go High Level) to deliver “sticky” learning and keep clients engaged Timestamps 00:00 – The problem with “delivery mode”Why experts burn out and why scaling your knowledge requires a mindset shift. 02:30 – What it really means to productize your expertiseTurning your method into a simple, repeatable process others can execute. 05:25 – The Leverage Plays: B2C, B2B, B2E & experiencesHow Parchelle maps all the profit paths hiding inside your existing body of work. 08:40 – The Five I’s: designing a true learning journeyFrom introduction to innovation—and finding where your audience is “screaming” the most. 13:20 – The Learning Leverage LoopA continuous system of evaluating, strategizing, creating, and staying in community. 16:40 – Making your content “sticky,” not forgettableHow to design digital assets people return to, use with their coach, and feel accountable for. 21:30 – Tools, systems & your first small step todayWhy Parchelle loves Notion and Go High Level—and what to do this week if you’re sitting on years of untapped expertise. Guest Links Website:  https://www.theauthorsleverage.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/parchelle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

About

This is more than a podcast — it’s a space for dreamers, builders, and creators who believe that passions aren’t just pastimes… they’re the seeds of purpose and profit. Each episode uncovers real stories, practical strategies, and powerful lessons to help you build confidence, authority, and success. From hobbies to business breakthroughs, discover how your passion can become your purpose — and your legacy. 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Junaid’s book Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid