Hacks and Hobbies - Passion to Profit Stories 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. 3D AGO

    Rand Selig: The Investment Banker Who Turned Down Goliath—How to Redefine Success, Build Resilience, and Thrive on Your Own Terms

    What if the secret to thriving isn’t about being the toughest in the room, but the most adaptable?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Rand Selig—veteran investment banker, author of "Thriving," and master of intentional living—to uncover the hidden strategies behind building a life and career filled with purpose, energy, and fulfillment. From turning down a giant corporate offer to redefining what it means to be successful, Rand shares raw stories and practical tools for anyone ready to break free from society’s expectations. Discover how resilience, relationships, and a service mindset can transform setbacks into opportunities—and why your only real competition is the person in the mirror. What You'll Learn: Why resilience is about bouncing back, not just being tough—think rubber ball, not metal. The power of saying “no” to deals that don’t align with your values, even when Goliath comes knocking. How to stop letting society define your success and start living by your own standards. The three pillars of a thriving mindset: service, intentional relationships, and relentless positivity. Why your greatest growth comes from evolving past your former self—not outshining others. Timestamps: 00:00 – The Rubber Ball vs. The Metal Ball: What True Resilience Looks Like 04:15 – David vs. Goliath: Turning Down a Giant and Winning Your Freedom 10:30 – Redefining Success: Are You Living for Yourself or for Society? 16:45 – The Man in the Mirror: Competing with Your Former Self 21:20 – The Power of Mentorship and Building Your Support Circle 26:00 – Three Tools for Thriving: Service, Relationships, and Positivity 32:10 – Star Trek, Beekeepers, and the Secret to Attracting Opportunity **Guest Links:** Website: randselig.com LinkedIn: Rand Selig on LinkedIn Book: "Thriving" by Rand Selig on Amazon Instagram: @randselig

    28 min
  2. 4D AGO

    Rand Selig: The Science of Thriving—How to Redefine Success, Build Resilience, and Live with Purpose

    What if thriving isn’t about chasing someone else’s definition of success, but about making intentional choices every single day? In this powerful episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and conservationist Rand Selig, author of "Thriving," to uncover the real science and psychology behind living a life of vitality, fulfillment, and meaning.Rand shares the untold story behind his book, the daily habits that fuel his energy, and the mindset shifts that separate those who merely survive from those who truly thrive. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, emotional depth, and the kind of curiosity-driven insights that will make you rethink what’s possible in your own life. What You'll Learn: Thriving starts with intentional choices and self-awareness—write down your values and revisit them often. Success is personal: define it on your own terms, not by society’s standards. Building resilience means embracing new chapters, learning from mistakes, and staying curious. Energy and vitality are sustained by daily habits, self-care, and knowing when to recharge. True connection comes from being present, reflecting on experiences, and nurturing relationships. Timestamps: 00:04 – The Untold Story Behind "Thriving": Why Rand Wrote the Book 03:15 – The Power of Intentional Choices: How to Design Your Life 06:01 – Redefining Success: Why You Must Own Your Definition 08:45 – Slowing Down to Reflect: Lessons from the Pandemic 10:03 – The Psychology of Thriving: Practical Tools for Growth 13:41 – Daily Habits for Energy and Joy: Rand’s Personal Rituals 17:03 – Life Lessons from Geology: Embracing Change and Curiosity Connect with Our Guest: Website: [Rand Selig’s Website] LinkedIn: [Rand Selig on LinkedIn] Instagram: [@RandSelig] Book: ["Thriving" by Rand Selig]

    25 min
  3. 6D AGO

    Nye Young: Unlocking Infinite Creativity—How Faith, Fear, and Holistic Coaching Transform Your Life

    What if the only thing standing between you and your creative breakthrough is a single, courageous step of faith? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Nye Young—host of the faith-based podcast Coffee Sips Tea, holistic creative coach, and creator of HA Sessions—to uncover the raw truth behind creativity, confidence, and calling. Nye’s journey is a testament to the power of saying “yes” to the unknown. From battling self-doubt to building a fail-proof method for unlocking creative potential, Nye reveals how faith and holistic practices can shatter your limitations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply searching for purpose, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about creativity. What You'll Learn: Faith and creativity are inseparable—your spiritual journey fuels your creative spark. Confidence is the #1 barrier to creative expression; overcoming fear is the first step. Creativity isn’t just art—it’s a tool for transformation in business, parenting, and daily life. The HA Sessions framework delivers a 100% success rate for unlocking creative potential. You don’t need permission to create; infinite possibilities await when you step out in faith. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Nye’s Origin Story: From podcast idea to faith-based movement 03:10 – The Divine Spark: How spirituality and creativity are intertwined 06:45 – Overcoming Self-Doubt: Why confidence is the real creative block 10:20 – Fail-Proof Creativity: The HA Sessions method explained 14:00 – Creativity in Action: Real-life transformations from business to parenting 17:30 – The Mukbang Dream: Pairing travel, food, and creative interviews 20:00 – Quickfire Round: Favorite movies, creative treasures, and the truth about creativity Connect with Our Guest: Twitter @HaSessions123 FB @HoneyNy Ny for more updates.Email Contact: hasessions12@gmail.comBooking Link: https://calendly.com/hasessions12/introPodcast: https://spotify.link/1IHNiJFatDbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016227187206

    17 min
  4. SEP 8

    Dan Hafner: The No Code Revolution—How to Build, Launch, and Profit from SaaS Without Writing a Line of Code

    What if you could launch a profitable tech business—without ever learning to code? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Dan Hafner, founder of Dapper No Code, to reveal the secrets behind the no code movement that’s transforming entrepreneurship. Dan shares the hard truths, the emotional rollercoaster, and the step-by-step blueprint for turning ideas into thriving SaaS businesses—no technical background required. From the power of validation to the pitfalls of falling in love with your own product, Dan’s journey is packed with raw insights and practical strategies. Whether you’re a dreamer with a notebook full of app ideas or a founder ready to scale, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about building software. What You'll Learn: The “Reverse SaaS Funnel Hack”: Why selling your solution before building it is the ultimate validation. Dan’s 3-step no code launch method—plus the tools that make it possible for anyone. The biggest mistake new founders make (and how to avoid it). How to monetize no code SaaS: from waitlists to creative partnerships. Why execution—not ideas—creates million-dollar businesses. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Back: Dan Hafner returns with game-changing no code insights 02:15 – The 3-Step No Code Launch Blueprint: From idea to execution 07:40 – Top Tools Revealed: $1, Bubble, Go High Level, Stripe, and more 13:10 – The Power of Validation: Sell before you build 18:25 – Million Dollar Execution: Why ideas are worthless without action 23:50 – Creative Monetization: Real-world stories and strategies 29:30 – Where to Start: Dan’s resources and how to connect Connect with Dan: Website: https://dappernocode.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hafner If you’d like to connect with Dan or access his exclusive no code MVP roadmap, visit his website or reach out on LinkedIn—let him know you heard him on the Hacks and Hobbies podcast!Let me know if you’d like to adjust the tone, add more timestamps, or include additional guest links!

    21 min
  5. SEP 3

    Gregory Russell Benedikt: The Bold Action Coach Who Reveals How to Unlock Your Most Extraordinary Life

    What if the key to happiness isn't found in success, money, or comfort—but in the courage to live authentically? Gregory Russell Benedikt discovered that true fulfillment comes from taking bold, terrifying leaps that align with your deepest purpose. In this transformative conversation, Gregory shares the life-changing insights that helped him escape the corporate world and create a mission of empowering people to break through fear, embrace vulnerability, and design a story worth telling. What You'll Learn: Fear is a compass, not a roadblock—it signals you're moving toward meaningful growth Happiness can't be purchased; it's a byproduct of courageous, aligned action Resistance shows up as self-doubt, procrastination, and perfectionism Your most extraordinary life exists just beyond your comfort zone Rejection and discomfort are powerful teachers of personal transformation Timestamps:[0:00] The Existential Crisis that Changed Everything[0:01] Escaping the Corporate Trap: A Journey to Authenticity[0:02] Why Most People Live with Deep End-of-Life Regrets[0:03] Dancing with Fear: Turning Terror into Opportunity[0:04] The 10-Second Moment that Led to True Love[0:05] Practical Strategies for Taking Bold Action[0:06] Living a Story Worth Telling Connect with Our Guest:https://gregoryrussellbenedikt.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryrussellbenedikt/https://www.instagram.com/gregoryrussellbenedikt/

    25 min
5
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

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