Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Shannon Jean & Dave Hamilton
  • 5.0 (66)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!

  1. FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727

    12H AGO

    FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727

    In this episode of Business Brain, we confront the real limits of AI agents and what they mean for our workflow. From cleaning up contradictory ChatGPT memory instructions to testing AI autocomplete tools like Cotypist and connecting health data inside Claude, we explore where AI truly creates leverage—and where it hits hard caps. With monthly browser agent limits and restricted agent requests, we’re reminded that automation isn’t infinite, and strategy matters more than ever. We also look at AI through the lens of ownership and responsibility—especially on a day built around apology and blame. Are we using AI to intentionally design our Charmed Life, or are we outsourcing our thinking? In this episode of Business Brain, we define smarter automation, push against AI agent constraints, and stay in control of the systems powering our business. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #727 for Casual FridAI, February 13th, 2026 February 13th: National Apology Day and National Blame Someone Else Day 00:01:28 Sadie-Edit your ChatGPT memory’s contradicting instructions 00:04:51 Cotypist – AI Autocomplete for the Mac 00:07:14 Claude let me connect my Health data 00:11:09 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain 00:12:39 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:14:06 AI Agent Limits ChatGPT limited Agent Requests Monthly Browser Agent Limits https://Claude.ai/giggab for half-price Claude for 3 months 00:24:00 Business Brain 727 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    28 min
  2. Boredom is the Plateau

    2D AGO

    Boredom is the Plateau

    In this episode of Business Brain, we face a hard truth: boredom isn’t a slump—it’s the plateau we built. When things get stable, we can start manufacturing chaos just to feel like the hero again. Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton push us to notice when routine becomes the enemy and when “busy” replaces real momentum. Instead of chasing noise, we learn to spot the patterns that keep us stuck and break through with intention. We also tackle the tension between prioritizing revenue and protecting our Charmed Life. At 3pm, we can reset with two refocusing questions: What’s the most important thing we can do right now to increase revenue? And what’s the most important thing we can do to enhance our charmed life? In this episode of Business Brain, we redefine productivity, escape the boredom trap, and design growth without sacrificing the life we’re building. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #726 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, February 11th, 2026 February 11th: National Inventors Day 00:01:24 We’ll use Suno to update our theme song 00:02:38 Boredom is the Plateau TRIBE Founders Group If we get bored… are we intentionally creating problems to be the hero? feedback@businessbrain.show Sponsors 00:10:35 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain 00:12:11 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:13:38 Do You Prioritize Revenue or Charmed Life? Routine is the enemy Productive vs. Busy 3pm re-focusing questions What’s the most important thing to do right now to increase my revenue? What’s the most important thing to do right now to enhance my charmed life? 00:22:56 Business Brain 726 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Boredom is the Plateau – Business Brain 726 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    23 min
  3. FridAI, Hiring Agents

    FEB 6

    FridAI, Hiring Agents

    In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into how AI is quickly becoming a true coworker, not just a tool. We explore deeper ChatGPT personalization, AI-driven tech support (even through smart glasses), and what it means to “hire” agents like Claude to think, write, and problem-solve alongside us. From autocomplete apps to AI companions inspired by sci-fi, we reframe AI as something we employ intentionally—on our terms. We also push ourselves to think bigger about how we make money in the AI age. As automation accelerates, we focus on what still matters most: human connection, trust, and creativity. By using AI to amplify—not replace—our unique value, we position ourselves to stay relevant, grow revenue, and design a Charmed Life that blends smart tech with meaningful work. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #725 for Casual FridAI, February 6th, 2026 February 6th: Working Naked Day 00:02:05 Join ChatGPT Health Waitlist 00:03:07 More ChatGPT personalization 00:05:17 Tech Support with AI Using the Meta AI glasses for tech support 00:08:20 David-Try Cotypist, an AI-powered autocomplete app Sponsors 00:09:40 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:10:58 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:12:35 Employing Claude Cowork for real life 00:27:01 Moltbook (and OpenClaw) Jane from Ender’s Game… Perplexity Comet Browser 00:31:36 How do we make money in the AI age? People want to connect 00:37:58 Business Brain 725 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI, Hiring Agents – Business Brain 725 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    38 min
  4. Shiny Object Opportunities

    FEB 4

    Shiny Object Opportunities

    In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to rethink your relationship with shiny objects—are they real opportunities or just distractions dressed up as progress? You explore how tools, platforms, and trends can open doors or quietly hijack your focus, especially when that smartphone Pandora’s Box is always within reach. By reframing “shiny object syndrome” into intentional “shiny object opportunities,” you learn how to stay curious without losing control—and how smart entrepreneurs choose what deserves their attention. You’re also pushed to ask a deceptively simple question: what do you actually want to do today? Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ famous reflection on living with intention, this episode helps you align daily decisions with the bigger picture of building a Charmed Life. It’s about cutting through noise, choosing with purpose, and making sure the business you’re building still serves the life you want to live. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #724 for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 February 4th: Facebook’s Birthday 00:01:32 Managing the smartphone Pandora’s Box And celebrating(?) Facebook’s birthday! Sponsors 00:07:36 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:08:58 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:34 Shiny Object Opportunity vs Syndrome 00:15:18 What do I want to do today? Steve Jobs: If today were the last day of my life… 00:18:00 Business Brain 724 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Shiny Object Opportunities – Business Brain 724 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    20 min
  5. GPT Shared Chats + Agents – Business Brain 723

    JAN 30

    GPT Shared Chats + Agents – Business Brain 723

    In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton explore how shared chats and AI-first tools are reshaping research, collaboration, and decision-making for entrepreneurs. They break down ChatGPT shared chats, compare them with Perplexity, and discuss what AI-powered browsers bring to modern workflows. The focus stays practical: using these tools to create clarity and speed, not distraction, while keeping human judgment firmly in control. The conversation then shifts to AI agents and how they can be applied to real business problems without over-automation or blind trust. Shannon and Dave examine where agents provide true leverage, how they fit into existing systems, and why intentional use matters more than novelty. Done right, these tools help entrepreneurs reclaim time, sharpen focus, and build businesses that support a smarter workflow and a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #723 for Casual FridAI, January 30th, 2026 January 30th: National Big Wig Day 00:01:24 ChatGPT Shared Chats Perplexity Comet, the Perplexity Browser 00:10:03 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:11:46 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:12:54 Covey1224-BB Review-Casual insights from real business minds 00:13:34 Adria Flor-BB Review-Great insights in every episode! 00:14:02 Using AI Agents 00:24:00 Business Brain 723 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post GPT Shared Chats + Agents – Business Brain 723 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    25 min
  6. Perfection is the enemy of Shipped

    JAN 28

    Perfection is the enemy of Shipped

    In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton break down why perfection is the enemy of shipped—and why waiting for “ready” often means never launching at all. They explore the power of defining a clear Minimum Viable Product, getting comfortable with imperfection, and building momentum through action instead of endless refinement. With practical guidance and a real-time example, they show how progress consistently beats polish when building a business. The conversation also tackles the mental game of shipping, especially when criticism comes into play. Shannon and Dave unpack how to weigh useful feedback, ignore trolls, and stop giving emotional energy to noise that doesn’t matter. By reframing criticism and staying focused on forward motion, entrepreneurs can protect their mindset, ship more confidently, and continue building a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #722 for Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 January 28th: National Blueberry Pancake Day 00:02:41 Perfect is the enemy of SHIPPED It’s good to have backup plans It’s good to get used to not being great 100% of the time Define your Minimum Viable Product 00:09:16 A real-time example! Perfection is the unattainable goal 00:13:57 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:15:39 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:16:48 Weighing the value of criticism It’s hard to ignore the trolls 00:19:08 Why would I let this criticism bother me? 00:25:30 Business Brain 722 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Perfection is the enemy of Shipped – Business Brain 722 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    26 min
  7. FridAI Claude Cowork + AI in Medicine – Business Brain 721

    JAN 23

    FridAI Claude Cowork + AI in Medicine – Business Brain 721

    In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton explore how AI is reshaping creativity, decision-making, and trust in modern business. The conversation examines whether AI-generated advertising risks damaging a brand, highlights a 2025 AI-assisted album, and looks at how authenticity and human judgment still matter when machines enter the creative process. The episode also digs into AI’s growing role in medicine, personal intelligence tools like Gemini, and the emergence of Claude Cowork and Claude Code as always-on collaborators for real work. With a practical lens on responsibility, delegation, and guardrails, the discussion focuses on using AI to create leverage without surrendering control—supporting smarter businesses and a more intentional, Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #721 for Casual FridAI, January 23rd, 2026 January 23rd: Measure Your Feet Day SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:01:58 Robert-Is AI Advertising Damaging your brand? Jack Tempchin 2025 AI-assisted album 00:06:19 Doctors Using AI 00:10:31 Gemini Personal Intelligence 00:14:28 Claude Cowork Claude Code for the rest of your work 00:29:57 Business Brain 721 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI Claude Cowork + AI in Medicine – Business Brain 721 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    30 min
  8. Juliana Berger, QuickBooks Head of Payments

    JAN 21

    Juliana Berger, QuickBooks Head of Payments

    In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton are joined by Juliana Berger, Head of Payments at QuickBooks, to unpack where founders most often misunderstand how cashflow systems actually connect. They explore the “mycelium” of a business—the meaningful connectivity layer where every dollar in and every dollar out matters—and why fragmented tools quietly create anxiety, inefficiency, and blind spots that erode confidence. The conversation dives into what truly defines business health: durable, predictable cashflow. From cashflow run rate and cash efficiency to DSO, DPO, and operational resiliency, the hosts break down how accuracy, automation, and smart guardrails create leverage instead of chaos. With insights on using AI the right way—through permissions, visibility, and trust-building controls—this episode shows how clarity fuels better decisions and a more intentional, Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #720 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, January 21st, 2026 January 21st: Thank Your Mentor Day Guest Co-host: Juliana Berger, Director of Product Management, Head of Payments at Intuit QuickBooks  SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll Where do founder misunderstand how all the cashflow systems interconnect What’s the mycelium of your business – what’s the connectivity layer? Where do things connect in a MEANINGFUL way? Every dollar in and every dollar out matters… and QuickBooks gets to see that Helping the anxious candlemaker who was using 16 different apps/tools to manage her business What determines the health of a business? Durable and predictable cashflow are the keys to this! Cashflow run rate: how much in and out? Is it consistent? Know your business. Know your cash efficiency. DSO vs. DPO DSO: Days sales outstanding DPO: Days payable outstanding Know Your Resiliency – What’s the riskiest part of your business and how are you managing that? Using AI and automation the RIGHT way Accuracy is power When things are accurate, that’s great. When they’re inaccurate, you just created WAY more work for yourself Important guardrails to look for when evaluating a tool Permissions and approvals Visibility and defensibility of information Controls… UNDO is important for trust Intuit also has trusted live experts in addition to all the other tools Business Brain 720 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain   The post Juliana Berger, QuickBooks Head of Payments – Business Brain 720 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    27 min
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5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!

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