In this episode, Michael talks with Owen Marsden, co-creator of HootFlight, a free educational website for kids that helps make flying more fun, understandable, and engaging. Owen shares how he and his wife Sarah built the project together, why they started it, how they used AI to help bring it to life, and the values that shaped their decisions around privacy, ads, and monetization. They also dig into the role of AI in creative work, the balance between progress and perfection, and how small side projects can strengthen relationships and spark new ideas.. Plus, Owen explains how Captain Hoot helps kids learn about their flights, the places they’ll pass over, and the wonder of travel in a way that encourages real-world curiosity. Chapters: 0:00 — Welcome and introduction to Owen Marsden 2:27 — What HootFlight 4:40 — Where the idea came from 5:00 — Building the project after bedtime 8:44 — Sarah’s design role and early collaboration 9:13 — Using Claude to ideate and build 11:38 — Where the flight data comes from 14:19 — Time, effort, and the AI-only computer 19:57 — What AI taught them during the build 24:50 — Using AI to strengthen human connection 27:31 — Mixed feelings about AI 34:35 — Challenges, analysis paralysis, and deciding when to ship 39:15 — Feedback from users and the “what you’ll fly over” feature 41:13 — Launching without pressure 45:58 — Why HootFlight is not monetized 50:47 — Parenting, media, and child safety 54:08 — Closing thoughts and final reflections 57:09 — How to connect with Owen and HootFlight Use HootFlight for free (no signup, no ads): • Get your kids excited about your upcoming flight: https://www.hootflight.com • Connect with Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-marsden-50424329 Our Sponsor: VAS LLC - Book a free consult call by messaging us on Facebook or LinkedIn. Learn about how our small business growth coaching services can help you improve your processes, increase value-added activity, and reduce your operational waste. Email: Michael.vasllc@gmail.com KCBC Info: • Media Inquiries: direct message us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook • Instagram (our main page): https://www.instagram.com/kcbc913 • YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/kcbctv • YouTube: @KCBCtv • Spotify: Kansas City Business Cast • Apple Podcasts: Kansas City Business Cast • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcbc913816 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcbctv • Hire VAS LLC Business Coaching: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vasllc This interview was recorded @kcbctv studio, and the guest’s own studio environment. The information and opinions presented by our guests do not reflect the opinions of Kansas City Business Cast (KCBC), Kansas City Business Cast Network (KCBCtv), or its affiliates & sponsors. Sometimes we talk about finance, health, wellness, philosophy, history, the economy, religion, and other topics. This episode, as with all of our episodes, is intended for educational purposes. #flying#commercialairlines #flights #airplanes #familyflights
