Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Junaid Ahmed
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  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated twice weekly

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.

  1. 6 days ago

    Podcast Strategy Coach: Why Small Conferences Change Careers (and How to Network Without the Awkwardness)

    Five key takeaways Stop collecting business cards: bring an agenda and one concrete follow-up goal per event. Small, intimate conferences often deliver deeper ROI than massive industry shows—if you show up with intention. Replace “What do you do?” with questions about passion and problems to spark memorable conversations. Use simple systems (journals, one friend covering another track, session recordings) to convert a firehose of info into usable action. Strategy-first podcasting (VIP planning, seasons vs. weekly grind) prevents overwhelm and accelerates meaningful growth. Timestamps 0:00 — Opening: Why one conversation can collapse years of trial and error 2:58 — The first Empowered Podcasting Conference: spotting potential in a small room 7:50 — The hallway magic: why informal moments beat polished stages for collaboration 14:11 — In-person vs virtual: what networking loses (and gains) online 25:01 — Tactical prep: how to build a conference roadmap and why to recruit a “track buddy” 35:55 — The EPC journal and the habit of capturing actionable notes (turn inspiration into execution) 39:51 — Strategy-first podcasting: VIP days, seasons, and the roadmap before the mic Guest links Bomb Track Media — https://bombtrackmedia.com Jason Cercon / Jason Circon — https://jasoncircon.com Empowered Podcasting Conference — https://empoweredpodcasting.com 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Podcast Strategy Coach: Why Small Conferences Change Careers (and How to Network Without the Awkwardness)

  2. 4 days ago

    Empowered Podcasting CMO on Turning Followers into a Year‑Round Community (How EPC3 Makes Belonging Stick)

    5 key takeaways: Community ≠ audience: community is recurring, reciprocal, and built through shared experiences, not metrics. The magic happens in the hallways: stages teach, corridors create opportunities (collabs, podcasts, books). Design with belonging in mind: workshops, interactive journals, visible staff, and pre-event touchpoints turn attendees into contributors. Make introverts powerful connectors: be interested, not interesting — ask great questions and invite people in. Start local, know your "who": test pop-ups and meetups before scaling to travel-heavy conferences. Timestamps (with enticing labels): 0:00 — Opening: Why in-person gatherings still outvalue online reach 3:48 — Podfest pivot: Rich’s defining moment from virtual to real‑world belonging 7:08 — Airbnb retreat: How hallway encounters became a week‑long creative masterclass 15:17 — Hallways vs. stages: Where learning ends and collaboration begins 20:36 — Making newcomers belong: the staff-led approach that stops cliques 25:54 — Tips for introverts: simple questions that spark big conversations 33:15 — EPC3 preview & who benefits most: growth, monetization, and community in focus Guest links: Website / podcasts / book: https://richperry.com — 10 Minute Mentor, Purpose First Entrepreneur, and free copy of Talk of the Town Empowered Podcasting / event: https://empoweredpodcasting.com — EPC3 (Aug 21–23, Charlotte) Social (find EPC + community): Empowered Podcasting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram (links via empoweredpodcasting.com) 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Empowered Podcasting CMO on Turning Followers into a Year‑Round Community (How EPC3 Makes Belonging Stick)

  3. 16 Jul

    From Investment Banker to Cancer Thriver: How She Rebuilt Her Body, Mind & Spirit by Design

    5 key takeaways Surviving ≠ thriving: Zoraida explains the crucial mindset shift from getting through life to intentionally designing it. The three pillars: mental, physical, spiritual — how each pillar rebuilds energy and anchors daily practice. Devotion to self: practical daily rituals (hydration, breathwork, journaling, midday appointments with yourself) that restore capacity to give. Spiritual reclamation: a raw account of losing and rediscovering spiritual trust in the middle of divorce, job loss, and chemo. Practical nutrition + movement tips: reading labels, ditching processed foods, and movement as emotional processing (dance, yoga, walks). Timestamps 00:00 — Episode opener: Why Zoraida’s story matters (from banker to cancer thriver) 01:33 — The diagnosis moment: denial, rain, and picking up the kids — a human snapshot of shock 04:33 — From “Why me?” to “What now?” — the first steps out of grief and into survivorship 08:28 — The pivot to thriving: choosing “peace, love, and joy” and what that looked like in practice 17:03 — The hardest pillar: spiritual rebirth during divorce, COVID, and financial uncertainty 21:05 — Daily devotion to self: Zoraida’s morning rituals, midday reset, and evening anchors 29:31 — Free tool for listeners: “What’s Your Energy Archetype?” — how to map your energy and get actionable practices Guest links Website: https://zoraidamorales.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoraida-morales Instagram: https://instagram.com/z.morales2018 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoraida.morales.1428/ Featured Books 1. FORGE: Turning Pressure Into Power: Life By Design Not Default: Thriving After Cancer - https://a.co/d/7vneKAx 2. Perspectives on Cancer: Get Ready to Lead a Life By Design Not Default- https://a.co/d/4QQcMm6 3. Soul Parent – Life By Design Not Default - https://a.co/d/5QXBOLk This standalone conversation is a masterclass in converting trauma into tribal wisdom — both gentle and fierce. If you’re rebuilding after loss, illness, or career upheaval, Zoraida gives you a road map: ask the right questions, build rituals that sustain you, and let the heart lead the mind. Links and resources are in the show notes — take the quiz, grab the book, and start designing your life, not living it by default. 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Investment Banker to Cancer Thriver: How She Rebuilt Her Body, Mind & Spirit by Design

  4. 14 Jul

    Financial Planner, Podcast Host & Founder of Portis Wealth Advisors: How Embracing Failure Became His Greatest Growth Engine

    Five key takeaways Failure-as-feedback: The faster you fail, the faster you learn — in business and in the gym. Client-first transitions: How white-glove execution turned a custody crisis into long-term retention. Co-founder (or partner) dynamics: Why complementary temperaments multiply results and reduce catastrophic mistakes. Resilience as strategy: Progress is non-linear; endurance and iteration beat perfectionism. Tangible vs. abstract work: Woodworking (and other hands-on hobbies) gives the finality many advisors miss. Timestamps (with enticing labels) 0:00 — Welcome & setup: Why William’s story matters (from recession to advisor) 1:19 — The accidental planner: How an economics major found purpose in teaching clients 4:58 — Portis origin story: The custody switch that nearly derailed everything 10:22 — Fail fast, grow faster: Lessons from founders and the garage gym 15:58 — The power of partnership: Why co-founders and spouses are strategic assets 24:30 — Resilience as a business strategy: Mishaps, pivots, and why to keep going 29:11 — Woodworking & finality: Why creating with your hands matters for leaders 36:21 — Seinfeld & the human lesson: Getting what you want vs. getting what you need 37:29 — Teaser for Part Two: Tactical wealth strategies for high-income entrepreneurs Guest links www.portusadvisors.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambissett/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Portus-Wealth-Advisors/61572848737086/ https://www.instagram.com/portus_wealth_advisors/ https://www.youtube.com/@portuswealthadvisors4298 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Financial Planner, Podcast Host & Founder of Portis Wealth Advisors: How Embracing Failure Became His Greatest Growth Engine

  5. 9 Jul

    Asgardia Minister of Equity & Resources on Building a Digital Nation, Space Ethics, and the Moment Her Legacy Reached the Moon

    5 key takeaways: Moonshot as legacy: Digital assets on the moon turned an improbable idea into a deeply emotional milestone for a global community. Entrepreneurs as nation-builders: Startup mindset and product thinking accelerate governance — but require new leadership skills. Space needs law now: Without regulation, space activities risk large-scale harm; lawyers and business leaders must shape policy. Ethical, inclusive design matters: A digital nation must embed equity and transparency to avoid corporate capture of new frontiers. Play fuels purpose: Virtual worlds, gaming, and community rituals (Second Life parties, in-game embassies) are practical tools for building culture and momentum. Timestamps (5–7): 0:00 — Welcome & episode setup: Why Part Two matters 1:13 — The moon moment: how Asgardia’s assets made it to the lunar surface 5:16 — From D&D skepticism to million‑vote election: Jennifer’s path to parliament 9:18 — Building real systems: the intranet, the cabinet role, and entrepreneurial value in governance 11:36 — The legal frontier: why space law is urgent (and who should lead it) 15:33 — Parallels between nation-building and scaling a business 19:54 — How Jennifer unwinds: gaming, Second Life, and the human side of leadership Guest links: Jennifer Gilgoric — Super Clinic Project: https://superclinicproject.com Asgardia (official): https://asgardia.space Second Life: https://secondlife.com https://SuperClinicProject.com0 https://www.instagram.com/jennstx/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergligoric, FREEBIE link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18aj7KCQnssAOEOw_OmjiUs5nPITKrsLQQXEATmwTeyU/preview 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Asgardia Minister of Equity & Resources on Building a Digital Nation, Space Ethics, and the Moment Her Legacy Reached the Moon

  6. 7 Jul

    Founder of The Flow Group on Reinventing Hearing Tech, Accessibility & Turning Trauma into Purpose

    Key takeaways: How personal crisis (vision loss + addiction + financial collapse) can be reframed into a purpose-driven business mission. Why traditional hearing aids fail many users — and how open-ear, bone-conduction designs reduce stigma and cost. The front-line work: what door-to-door trust-building with seniors taught Michael about product adoption. The Flow Group’s product features that matter: noise reduction, dual-volume control, indoor/outdoor modes and comfort under $300. How assistive tech can serve multiple communities (hearing + visually impaired) when designed with empathy. Timestamps: 0:00 — Welcome & origin story: the moment Michael turned pain into purpose 1:49 — The turning point: relationships, sobriety and getting focused 5:07 — Diagnosis that changed everything: retinitis pigmentosa and daily life 8:56 — The product reveal: open-ear, affordable alternatives to hearing aids 9:14 — Real impact: restoring confidence, conversations and community 12:18 — A second product: alerts and navigation for people with vision loss 15:18 — What’s next: Dragons’ Den, Legacy Makers and scaling accessibility Guest links: Website: https://theinnerflow.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowgroup (search @TheFlowGroup) (Mentioned) Upcoming appearances: Dragons’ Den audition, Legacy Makers streaming project Episode notes / SEO keywords: Hearing loss, bone conduction headphones, accessibility tech, retinitis pigmentosa, senior care technology, affordable hearing solutions, The Flow Group, assistive devices, stigma-free hearing, product adoption for seniors Shareable quote: “I didn’t want my sight to be a disadvantage — I wanted it to be a purpose.” Want part two? Subscribe for the deep technical dive where Michael explains bone conduction, noise-reduction chips, and the product roadmap that’s putting dignity back into hearing. 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Founder of The Flow Group on Reinventing Hearing Tech, Accessibility & Turning Trauma into Purpose

  7. 2 Jul

    High‑Performance Coach on Why “Surface‑Level Success” Fails You (and How to Reclaim Real Fulfillment)

    Five key takeaways Surface‑level success is often a default script — define success on your own terms before you spend years chasing it. Big wins can create new misalignment; after achievement, pause and re‑redesign your life around what actually matters. Use environment and community deliberately: put yourself where your desired norms are already the norm. Identity signals attract support — show up as the person you want to become so others will meet you there. Live in 90‑day sprints to create realistic urgency that makes daily action matter. Timestamps (5–7 highlights) 0:01 — “The truth about chasing the next thing” — Why so many high performers feel empty after big wins. 3:00 — “When success steals your dinner” — A client story about promotion, stress, and recalibrating priorities. 6:36 — “Define success with pen and paper” — Practical exercise: map what success looks like now, in 1 year, and in 5. 9:11 — “Environment is the invisible coach” — How community, routines, and norms shape identity and habits. 12:38 — “Signal your identity to attract your tribe” — The simple act of showing up that unlocks community support. 14:29 — “Why I wrote a book” — The one‑year‑left question that pushed Brett to write Uncomfortable Either Way. 20:05 — “The 90‑day urgency hack” — Tactical approach to make every day count without burning out. Guest links Website: www.bretteaton.com Instagram: @bretteaton_ LinkedIn: Bretteatonspeaker 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    High‑Performance Coach on Why “Surface‑Level Success” Fails You (and How to Reclaim Real Fulfillment)

  8. 30 Jun

    High-Performance Coach & Author of Uncomfortable Either Way: Why Choosing Easy Is Making Your Life Hard

    5 key takeaways: Discomfort is inevitable — choosing the hard path often leads to deeper, lasting growth. We habitually value immediate comfort over long-term benefit ("swipe now, pay later") — awareness is the first step. Confidence is domain-specific: preparation, repetition, authenticity, and courage are the practical levers. Make "win-win" micro-decisions that feel good now and compound into long-term wins. Regret is a different kind of pain; ask which discomfort you want at 80 — growth or regret? Timestamps (5–7): 0:00 — Opening: Why discomfort became Brett’s central theme 1:14 — The fork-in-the-road moments that define your trajectory 5:50 — Why we choose the easy path (the “swipe now, pay later” mind trap) 9:05 — The regret vs. growth paradox — a personal story about Brett’s father 12:30 — Practical confidence-building: Preparation, Repetition, Authenticity, Courage 15:44 — Micro-actions that stack: small wins that lead to big change 17:41 — Wrap-up & what to expect in Part 2 (deeper on stopping surface-level success) Guest links (please verify / add preferred URLs): Website: www.bretteaton.com Instagram: @bretteaton_ LinkedIn: Bretteatonspeaker 🎙 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    High-Performance Coach & Author of Uncomfortable Either Way: Why Choosing Easy Is Making Your Life Hard
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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.

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