Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Shannon Jean & Dave Hamilton

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 - Choosing the Right AI

    3D AGO

    FridAI - Choosing the Right AI

    In this episode of Business Brain, you step into the fast-moving world of AI and learn how to choose the right tool for the job. You compare Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, with real-world insight into why Perplexity may hallucinate less right now. You explore purpose-built tools like Gamma AI for presentations, NotebookLM for research, Manus AI for automation, and creative powerhouses like Sora AI and Google Veo. The focus is simple: stop chasing shiny objects and start picking AI that actually moves your business forward. You also hear how AI is showing up in everyday workflows with Loom AI and Zoom AI, making communication faster and smarter. The episode wraps with the 2025 Business Brain MacBook Giveaway winner announcement, reinforcing why listening with intention can pay off. It’s all about making better decisions, working smarter, and building your own Charmed Life with the right mix of strategy and technology. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #715 for Casual FridAI, January 2nd, 2026 January 2nd: National Science Fiction Day 00:01:31 Choosing the right AI Perplexity vs. ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini Anecdotally, Perplexity hallucinates less than ChatGPT today Gamma AI for creating presentations NotebookLM Manus AI Google Veo Sora AI Loom AI Zoom AI 00:11:56 2025 Business Brain MacBook Giveaway Winner — Scott, aka “BB Review-WeRPID-A Must-Listen for Anyone with a Growth Mindset” from 663 on July 4th, 2025 Review Business Brain 00:16:15 Business Brain 715 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 – Choosing the Right AI – Business Brain 715 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    17 min
  2. 2025 Year in Review!

    5D AGO

    2025 Year in Review!

    In this episode of Business Brain, you step back and review what 2025 really taught you as an entrepreneur. You’re challenged to stop being transactional and start building a transformational community, to take control of your feeds instead of letting social media control you, and to notice where distractions have quietly turned into complacency. Shannon and Dave remind you that hunger fades if you let it—and that staying sharp sometimes means becoming your own friendly pest in pursuit of progress and a truly Charmed Life. You’re encouraged to embrace the fear of failure, run smart business experiments, and consciously choose the people shaping your thinking. Drawing inspiration from Founders Podcast and the lessons of David Senra, this episode pushes you to ask better questions: Who are you surrounding yourself with, and who are you mentoring next? The answers may define your next breakthrough. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #714 for Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 December 31st: No Interruptions Day 00:01:05 Our year(s) in review Shannon is monetizing community Making your community transformational over being transactional With social media, YOU get to pick and control your feeds and your experience A year of distractions…until Dave became a friendly pest You WILL become complacent. Identify that! Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish Embrace that fear of (being a) failure Founders Podcast with David Senra Let yourself have business experiments Who are you surrounding yourself with? Who are you mentoring? 00:19:49 Business Brain 714 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 2025 Year in Review – Business Brain 714 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    21 min
  3. FridAI - Building with Perplexity + Manus AI

    12/26/2025

    FridAI - Building with Perplexity + Manus AI

    In this episode of Business Brain, you explore how tools like Perplexity and Manus AI can move you from scattered ideas to clear execution. You see how AI helps you design a professional development plan, clarify complex concepts before implementation, and even generate a forward-looking review of your year. The focus is on using AI as a thinking partner—one that sharpens your strategy instead of replacing it. You also learn how to combine AI tools to build practical systems, including custom dashboards that surface what actually matters in your business. By asking better prompts and layering tools intelligently, you turn AI into leverage, not noise. The result is smarter decisions, faster learning, and a more intentional path toward a truly Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #713 for Casual FridAI, December 26th, 2025 December 24th: National Candy Cane Day 00:00:59 Ed-Perplexity helped me come up with a professional development training plan 00:02:50 Combining AI Lessons: Having ChatGPT explain the concepts before implementing the fix 00:05:29 Prompt-Give me my ChatGPT 2025 year is review 00:08:47 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/businessbrain/ #rulapod 00:10:30 Use AI to create a custom dashboard for your business Manus AI 00:20:26 Business Brain 713 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 – Building with Perplexity + Manus AI – Business Brain 713 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    21 min
  4. Make Yourself Uncomfortable

    12/24/2025

    Make Yourself Uncomfortable

    In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to stop playing it safe and start leaning into the discomfort that drives real growth. You explore why staying comfortable is often the biggest limiter in business, and how intentional unease sharpens your thinking, strengthens decision-making, and exposes opportunities you’d otherwise miss. When you choose discomfort on your terms, you regain control instead of letting fear make the calls for you. You’ll learn how to reframe uncomfortable moments as signals—not stop signs—and use them to build resilience, confidence, and momentum. By pushing just past what feels easy, you create space for better habits, smarter risks, and a truly Charmed Life in business. The message is clear: if you want progress, comfort can’t be the goal—growth has to be. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #712 for Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 December 24th: National Eggnog Day 00:01:15 Make sure to scare yourself often Take the meeting Do the thing you haven’t done Step outside of your comfort zone Find the uncomfortable, and say “yes.” Eat Terry Black’s Barbecue (ok, this is a safe bet!) “Everything I want is on the other side of being uncomfortable” 00:13:27 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/businessbrain/ #rulapod 00:15:12 JoeyGator-BB Review-Love this show! 00:16:51 Quick Tip: Email people while they’re away to mine their autoresponders Make and Keep a Reasons for Contact List 00:20:02 Strategies for working with new contacts 00:23:29 Business Brain 712 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 Make Yourself Uncomfortable – Business Brain 712 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    24 min
  5. FridAI - Meta Glasses + AI Troubleshooting

    12/19/2025

    FridAI - Meta Glasses + AI Troubleshooting

    In this episode of Business Brain, you take a hard look at the hidden risks of using AI to troubleshoot problems in your business. You learn why trusting confident-sounding answers without context can lead you astray, and how Gell-Mann Amnesia shows up when AI sounds smart outside your expertise. The takeaway is clear: AI is powerful, but only when you stay skeptical, verify results, and remain the final decision-maker. You also explore the fast-evolving world of AI-powered wearables and what Meta’s smart glasses signal for the future of work and creativity. From short-form recording to deeper app integration, you see how these tools could change how you capture ideas and stay present. The key is experimenting early without blind faith, so you can leverage emerging tech while staying grounded. Done right, this balance helps you build smarter systems and move closer to a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #711 for Casual FridAI, December 19th, 2025 December 19th: Underdog Day 00:01:14 The 7-11 Coefficient 00:01:40 The Potential Pitfalls of AI Troubleshooting Gell-mann Amnesia 00:12:27 SPONSOR: The New Rules of Business: The 10 Kimmandments is available exclusively on MasterClass. And they always have great holiday-season offers, sometimes up to 50% off. Visit MasterClass.com/BUSINESSBRAIN to find out more! 00:13:58 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Take control with QuickBooks Payroll today at QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:15:13 Meta AI Glasses Records in three-minute clips Meta AI app integrates with the glasses Google/Samsung Android XR Glasses Go to a Meta Store and check it out Billy Clayton 00:25:18 Business Brain 711 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 – Meta Glasses + AI Troubleshooting – Business Brain 711 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    26 min
  6. Start Before You're Ready + Demand Avoidance

    12/17/2025

    Start Before You're Ready + Demand Avoidance

    In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start before you feel ready. You don’t need every system built or every detail nailed down to make an offer and move forward. You learn why perfection slows momentum, how action creates clarity, and why progress beats polish every time. This mindset shift helps you build confidence, traction, and revenue faster—without getting stuck preparing forever instead of doing. You also explore demand avoidance and the subtle danger of the comfort zone. When things feel easy or familiar, it might actually be a warning sign that you’re not stretching far enough. You’re reminded that simple tools and clear tracking can keep you honest, focused, and growing. By leaning into a little discomfort and embracing structure, you give yourself the best chance at building a business—and a Charmed Life—on your terms. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #710 for Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 December 17th: National Maple Syrup Day 00:02:05 Start Before You’re Ready I don’t have an email list… but here’s an offer and I’ll eventually send you email. Perfect is the enemy of good Kit.com beehiiv Constant Contact Klaviyo Mailchimp 00:06:44 Beware the comfort zone 00:07:39 Spreadsheets are your friend Google Sheets Synology Office LibreOffice 00:12:06 SPONSOR: The New Rules of Business: The 10 Kimmandments is available exclusively on MasterClass. And they always have great holiday-season offers, sometimes up to 50% off. Visit MasterClass.com/BUSINESSBRAIN to find out more! 00:13:37 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Take control with QuickBooks Payroll today at QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:14:53 Demand Avoidance Tips to help: Reframe demands as choices — “I could do this” works better than “I should do this.” Lower the activation energy — Define the task as 2 minutes or one tiny step. Externalize structure without authority — Timers, body doubling, or parallel work beat accountability pressure. Use novelty or constraint — Change location, tools, order, or rules. 00:22:23 Business Brain 710 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 Start Before You’re Ready + Demand Avoidance – Business Brain 710 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    24 min
  7. FridAI - Limitless and Privacy

    12/12/2025

    FridAI - Limitless and Privacy

    In this episode of Business Brain, you dive into the rising tension between innovation, trust, and responsibility in the world of AI. As Shannon and Dave unpack National Salesperson Day, they pivot into the challenge of working with tools that hold immense power but zero accountability. The conversation heats up as they explore the recent acquisition of Limitless and what it signals for the future of AI assistants that promise productivity without sacrificing your Charmed Life. You also hear why trusting your AI is becoming just as important as the tasks it performs. Apple enters the discussion as a fascinating paradox—highly trusted for privacy yet struggling to compete because that same privacy limits their AI’s capabilities. By the time the outtro rolls in, you’re left thinking critically about which companies deserve your trust and how to balance convenience with control in your business. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #709 for Casual FridAI, December 12th, 2025 December 12th: National Salesperson Day 00:01:12 ChatGPT has no accountability 00:07:09 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Take control with QuickBooks Payroll today at QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:08:26 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! 00:10:03 Limitless being Acquired 00:16:25 Trusting your AI? Apple is trustworthy…and their privacy keeps their AI from being competitive. 00:21:27 Business Brain 709 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 – Limitless and Privacy – Business Brain 709 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    24 min
  8. Belief Comes Before Ability

    12/10/2025

    Belief Comes Before Ability

    In this episode of Business Brain, you learn why belief has to show up before skill ever can. You’re pushed to take action immediately—not by buying gear, courses, or tools, but by selling what you already have to get real-world wins fast. As you move, you build confidence, momentum, and the all-important belief that fuels every entrepreneurial step of your Charmed Life. Listener reviews highlight how authentic, actionable, and inspiring this mindset is, especially when paired with smart discussions about AI and real business challenges. You also dive into the big question: How long should you give a business idea before you pivot or pull the plug? The hosts break down a practical two-year model—one year to learn, one year to execute—and frame it all as an experiment rather than a lifelong commitment. This approach frees you to test ideas boldly, adapt quickly, and make decisions with clarity instead of emoti 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #708 for Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 00:01:00 December 10th: National Lager Day Wolf by Vanderpump in Lake Tahoe Trumer Pilsner 00:02:32 Belief Before Ability Take action right away For example: in the reselling business, don’t buy anything first. Sell stuff you already have. That way you go through the motions…take some easy wins, and learn the process. And learn to believe! 00:12:03 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Take control with QuickBooks Payroll today at QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:13:18 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! 00:14:57 Iavhill-BB Review-Actionable, Authentic, and Inspiring! 00:16:01 WPooka-BB Review-Love the AI Section 00:16:34 Skylar-Another read of “Don’t Pitch the Bitch” 00:18:44 How long should I give my business a chance? How long to spend on a proof of concept before you pivot (or kill it). 2 Years: One to learn, the second to execute Call it an experiment! 00:20:55 Everything we say on the show is something we’re telling ourselves 00:22:15 Business Brain 708 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 Belief Comes Before Ability – Business Brain 708 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    23 min
5
out of 5
65 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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