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. -1 Ч

    From Venezuelan Survival to Wall Street Disruptor—The Truth Behind Stocks ( Sebastian Uzcategui )

    Can you escape the “American Trap”—turning lifelong struggle into lasting wealth?In this episode, Sebastian Uzcategui reveals the transformational journey that led him from hardship in Venezuela to global stages and the creation of a financial learning revolution. Sebastian, founder of Stocks University and United Nations speaker, throws out the old rulebook. We dive deep into why traditional pathways to success keep so many locked out, why financial education is rigged, and how he’s opening the gates for everyone—with a disruptive pay-after-you-profit model. This episode isn’t just advice—it’s a model for rebuilding your life, whatever your starting point. What You'll Learn : Breaking the American Dream myth: How Sebastian’s family escaped poverty in Venezuela—only to face it again in the US.The predatory financial system exposed & why the poor stay excluded from wealth conversations.Behind the scenes at the UN Women’s Conference: Empowering those left out of global leadership.The genesis of Stocks University—Sebastian’s risk-free, results-first revolution in financial education.Real investing hacks: Why discipline trumps luck, and how you can break out of your financial echo chamber.Timestamps: 0:02 — Introduction to Sebastian Uzcategui: Escaping the American Trap1:11 — Family sacrifice, broken dreams & the fire to change everything2:27 — The financial system is rigged—and who gets left behind4:08 — Speaking at the United Nations: Empowering women worldwide7:02 — The birth of Stocks University: Building trust in a broken industry9:51 — Market hacks: How to avoid losses & spot the winning moves11:59 — Next episode preview: Multiply your resources, master your money-mindsetGuest Links: Website: stockuni.com

    14 мин.
  2. Creating Unforgettable Events—How Jazz, Failure, and the 3M Framework Transform Audiences ( Phil Mershon )

    -5 ДН.

    Creating Unforgettable Events—How Jazz, Failure, and the 3M Framework Transform Audiences ( Phil Mershon )

    What if the worst night of your life became the spark behind your greatest impact?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Phil Mershon—jazz musician, event designer, and author of “Unforgettable”—to break down the art of building events people remember for a lifetime. Phil reveals his personal story of stepping onstage and falling short—then using years of practice (and a near-disaster) to fuel a revolution in how we think about experiences. Discover the science, emotion, and strategy behind making your message resonate and your audience transform. What You'll Learn: How a humiliating jazz performance set Phil on a path to mastery—and what it taught him about growth.The 3M Framework: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous—a playbook for powerful experiences.The secret power of senses—why a whiff of coffee can make your event unforgettable.The top mistake event planners make (and how to avoid designing for yourself instead of your audience).Why storytelling isn’t fluff—it’s the glue that makes every lesson stick.Timestamps: 00:03 – Jazz, Failure, and Fuel: Phil’s Pivotal Night in Chicago05:15 – The 3M Framework Exposed: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous09:30 – Engaging the Senses: Coffee, Smell, and Memory Triggers12:20 – Crafting Emotional Journeys: Audience Relevance & Deep Impact16:10 – Pitfalls to Avoid: Who Are You Really Designing For?18:45 – Storytelling Hooks: From Morpheus to Avengers—Making Lessons Stick22:40 – How to Connect: Phil’s Book, Links & Where to Go Next Where to reach our Guest: Website: filmersean.comBook: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences (also available at major retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart)LinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedInInstagram: @phil_mershon

    27 мин.
  3. Phil Mershon (Social Media Examiner) — The Secrets Behind Unforgettable Events & Lifelong Connections

    -6 ДН.

    Phil Mershon (Social Media Examiner) — The Secrets Behind Unforgettable Events & Lifelong Connections

    What makes an event not just memorable—but transformative? In this episode, Phil Mershon, acclaimed Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner and author of "Unforgettable," pulls back the curtain on the art and science of creating experiences that linger long after the final applause. What if you could orchestrate events that people talk about for years, bond over for a lifetime, and that even change the course of careers? Phil’s journey from jazz saxophonist to global event architect is rich with hard-won insights, missteps, and soaring successes. Dive into an emotional, curiosity-driven conversation about how “belonging,” intentional design, and the courage to innovate forge truly unforgettable experiences. What You'll Learn : Experiences have the power to transform—not just entertain—when people feel genuine belonging.The road from jazz musician to event visionary taught Phil that great events are “living organisms” that evolve every year.The book “Unforgettable” was inspired by the need to turn intuitive magic into practical frameworks others can follow.Unpredictable, immersive moments—like a mysterious “secret family reunion” in Tuscany—create lifelong bonds and new opportunities.The best events blend personal touches, meaningful conversations, and a willingness to learn from failures along the way.Timestamps: [00:02] The Spark: Phil’s unconventional journey from jazz saxophone to event design[01:22] Early Mentors & Why Quality Management Changed Everything[03:22] The Birth of “Unforgettable”—Turning Vision Into Framework[05:00] Why Most Events Miss the Mark: The Belonging Factor[08:37] Creating Experiences No One Forgets—The Science & Emotion of Memorable Events[10:31] The Secret Family Reunion—A Lesson in Anticipation & Connection[16:53] If You Could Build an Event Anywhere: Middle Earth, Narnia… or Beyond?Guest Links: Website: Social Media ExaminerLinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedInInstagram: @phil_mershonBook: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable ExperiencesLet this episode show you: Every event has the potential to change lives—if you dare to make it unforgettable.

    21 мин.
  4. Cash Flow Mike Milan: The State Trooper Who Unlocks Business Potential—Why Motivation, Not Math, Changes Everything

    20 НОЯБ.

    Cash Flow Mike Milan: The State Trooper Who Unlocks Business Potential—Why Motivation, Not Math, Changes Everything

    Bold, emotional, and brutally honest—this episode rips back the curtain on business advice and coaching. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, "The Diary of a CEO" welcomes Mike Milan—known as “Cash Flow Mike”—who reveals the untold story behind his journey from state trooper to financial motivator. Why do so many entrepreneurs ignore solid advice? What makes some finally take action? This episode is as much about emotional transformation as it is about balance sheets. Mike shares his revolutionary "Elevation Sequence," a method forged on the front lines of human behavior, not just in boardrooms. Learn why most consultants get it wrong, why changing behavior is the only path to true business success, and how you can ignite breakthrough results in yourself and others. What You'll Learn: Why business owners resist advice—and what really motivates changeThe Elevation Sequence: 8 actionable coaching steps to drive resultsHow to create buy-in and ownership: the “Nudge Pact” and its real powerMike’s emotional lessons from hoarders, parenting, and policeworkA mindset shift: facilitating change instead of preaching answersTimestamps: 00:01—From State Trooper to Cash Flow Coach: Mike’s unlikely journey02:10—Why “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” is the advisor’s core challenge05:25—Verbal Judo & The Art of Business Motivation08:45—What Hoarders Can Teach Us About Business Owners13:19—The Elevation Sequence: Eight Steps That Transform Clients18:47—Emotion Meets Action: Connecting Money to Motivation20:55—How to Unlock Commitment and Crush ResistanceGuest Links: Website: https://www.cashflowmike.com (free 7-minute cash flow lesson & digital resources)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cashflowmikeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashflowmikeBooks:

    26 мин.
  5. Unlocking Hidden Cash: Cash Flow Mike Reveals Secrets Every Business Owner Misses

    18 НОЯБ.

    Unlocking Hidden Cash: Cash Flow Mike Reveals Secrets Every Business Owner Misses

    Are you unknowingly bleeding cash from your business?  In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Mike Milan, famously known as “Cash Flow Mike”—the coach who’s helped over 25,000 business owners uncover $150 million in hidden cash. Discover why most entrepreneurs fly blind with their finances, and how a simple, actionable framework can radically transform your business life. Mike opens up about his journey from state trooper to financial educator, the toughest cash flow lessons from the trenches, and his emotional mission to make business failure a thing of the past. If you want to see your numbers clearly—and finally stop lying awake at night—this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. What You'll Learn: The single biggest cash flow mistake most business owners don’t realize they’re makingWhy understanding your financial statements isn’t as hard as you thinkThe life-changing “Seven-Minute Conversation” and how it can spotlight your business’s burning issues—fastHow to mine your company for hidden cash and shrink the dreaded “financial gap”Why “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner” isn’t an insult—it’s a wake-up call to master your money storyTimestamps: [00:00] Meet Cash Flow Mike: From spreadsheets to strategy—Mike’s origin story[02:00] Are you flying blind? Most business owners are—here’s why[03:11] How to read your numbers (and why most people zone out)[06:10] Mining for Hidden Cash: Six calculations to plug the leaks[08:00] The financial “gap”—and how it quietly drains your growth[09:58] The Seven-Minute Conversation: Transform your business finances in minutes[13:14] “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner”—the real story behind the bookGuest Links: Website: cashflowmike.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cashflowmike (searchable as “Cash Flow Mike”)Instagram: instagram.com/cashflowmikeBook: Look for “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner” by Mike Milan on Amazon or at the links on his website

    17 мин.
  6. Unlocking Sales Success: Howard Wolpoff on Building Confidence, Crushing Micromanagement, and the Secret Habits of Top Closers

    13 НОЯБ.

    Unlocking Sales Success: Howard Wolpoff on Building Confidence, Crushing Micromanagement, and the Secret Habits of Top Closers

    What if mastering sales was less about scripts—and more about psychology, habits, and building lasting systems? In this electrifying, curiosity-driven conversation, Matt Raad sits down with renowned sales coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals why confidence—not pressure—powers high-performing teams. From escaping the clutches of toxic micromanagement to the overlooked magic of CRMs, discover not just strategies, but the deeply human stories behind sales that stick. Walk away ready to transform your team's mindset, your own daily rituals, and the way you measure success. Five Key Takeaways: Confidence is the fuel behind every great salesperson—and it starts with asking the right questions.Micromanagement kills momentum; creating real accountability means empowering, not stifling, your team.Simple, daily use of a CRM is the hidden superpower for tracking, follow-up, and closing.The only sales metrics that matter measure real progress toward your team’s true revenue targets.High-performance teams thrive with routines: block time for key activities, track it, and see exponential results.Timestamps: [00:00] Why Confidence—Not Scripts—Drives Sales: The Big Mindset Shift[02:26] Micromanagers Ruin Teams: Howard’s Personal Wake-Up Call[04:51] The Secret Power of CRMs (and How Most Salespeople Miss It)[08:18] Vanity Metrics vs. Real Results: What Sales Leaders Track[11:07] Transforming Team Habits: How to Block Time, Build Rituals, and Win More[13:47] Designing the Dream Sales Retreat: Maui, Reflection, and Real Connections[14:44] Connect with Howard: Unlock More Sales WisdomGuest Links: Website: https://www.howardwolpoffswc.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff(For additional platforms or books, see show notes or guest’s website)

    17 мин.
  7. The Sales Coach Who Turns Hesitation into High Performance—Secrets They Never Taught You (Howard Wolpoff)

    11 НОЯБ.

    The Sales Coach Who Turns Hesitation into High Performance—Secrets They Never Taught You (Howard Wolpoff)

    So many of us are thrown into the deep end of sales, armed with nothing but a phone, a quota, and a sense of dread. But what if everything you knew about selling—and leading—was wrong?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with veteran sales and leadership coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals how he transforms struggling teams and uncertain professionals into confident, high-performing closers. From cold calls and door-to-door rejections to masterminding sales breakthroughs across industries, Howard’s stories and strategies will forever change the way you look at selling—and yourself. Takeaways: Why most sales training fails—and what actually works to grow sales and confidence.The hidden reason companies “churn and burn” their salespeople (and how to break the cycle).How understanding personality unlocks rapport—and closes deals you never thought possible.The 15 ways to close a deal (and why most salespeople only know two).The power of mentorship: what it means to truly impact someone’s life—and how the best rewards might come years later.Timestamps: 0:00 — “Thrown Into Sales: The Untold Truths” (Raw beginnings in sales, no training, and early challenges)5:01 — “Breaking Through: From Cold Calls to Coaching” (Howard’s shift from uncertainty to helping others succeed)9:09 — “Teaching, Mentorship & The Long Game” (The hidden power of teaching and an unforgettable story from the New York Mets)12:00 — “The Confidence Gap: Inside Every Salesperson’s Mind” (Why even superstars struggle—and what to do about it)14:18 — “Scripts, Humility, and the Secret to Connection” (Weaponizing preparation without losing authenticity)15:09 — “When Salespeople Hit the Wall: Making Breakthroughs Happen” (Practical stories of real-world growth)20:40 — “Scaling the Unscalable: The Mistake That Destroys Sales Teams” (Howard’s #1 blueprint mistake—revealed)Guest Links: Website: www.howardwolpoffSWC.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/

    22 мин.
  8. Aurora Winter on Book-Borne Wealth, Brand Building & Unseen Income Streams

    6 НОЯБ.

    Aurora Winter on Book-Borne Wealth, Brand Building & Unseen Income Streams

    Could your next book be the spark for seven-figure success? Meet Aurora Winter, bestselling author, publisher, and master of turning words into wealth, as she unpacks the secrets behind building authority, attracting premium clients, and multiplying income—all from the written word. In this episode, Aurora reveals actionable strategies—from “show me the money” mindset to leveraging books for brand-building, speaking gigs, and alternative revenue streams that most authors overlook. With stories of legal thriller authors, dentists, and entrepreneurs, each insight builds on curiosity: What if your book isn’t just a calling card, but the gateway to your next million? What you'll learn: Writing a book is just the beginning—clarity, branding, and monetization must be woven into your strategy from the start. Build and nurture your audience before launching your book to avoid its release into a “vacuum.” A published book opens doors: speaking, higher fees, media, partnerships, and more—your authority multiplies. Seven (and even eight) distinctive ways to monetize your message—beyond book sales—include speaking, merchandise, training/certification, and affiliate revenue. Independent publishing puts you in control—of your story, your brand, and your profits. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome Back: Aurora Winter on Wealth-Building Books [00:41] “Show Me the Money”: Why Books Are Business Tools [02:00] Making Experts Famous—From Lawyers to Dentists [04:41] Building an Audience Before Publishing: Essential Steps [06:00] Turning Brand into Premium Pricing [11:52] Books as Gateways to Startups, Speaking, and Merchandising [15:00] The Free Book Funnel—How Upsells Generate 6 Figures [21:10] The Hidden 8th Strategy: Affiliate Income [22:39] Final Takeaways and Free Resources Guest Links: Website: SamePagePublishing.com Book: Turn Words Into Wealth – free eBook and resources! Aurora’s Free Business Breakthrough Call: BookCall.biz Aurora’s Profile: AuroraWinter.com Socials: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aurorawinterauthor/) This episode is packed with actionable strategies and heart-stirring inspiration. Ready to let your story work for you? Dive in.

    24 мин.
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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