Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Junaid Ahmed
  • 5.0 (65)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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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

  1. 12H AGO

    The Neuroscience of Healing Trauma—How Havening Rewires Your Brain for Resilience (Hilary Ruso)

    What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Ruso—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use. Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change. What You'll Learn: The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from present How havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilience Real-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stages The “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance, and Alignment as the foundation for transformation Simple daily havening practices to calm your mind and build emotional strength Timestamps: 0:01:05 Trauma Decoded: The Four Elements That Shape Your Brain 0:06:33 Why Your Brain Is Wired for Negativity—and How to Change It 0:08:38 From Opera Stage to Safe Space: A Grammy Winner’s Breakthrough 0:11:52 Havening 101: The Science and Practice of Self-Healing 0:14:19 Positive Mindset vs. Pleasant Distraction—What Really Works? 0:16:38 The AAA Effect: The First Step to Lasting Resilience 0:20:41 Who Needs Havening Most? Hilary’s Surprising Fictional Pick Guest Links: Website: https://hilaryrusso.com Podcast: Holistically Speaking (https://hilaryrusso.com/podcast) Events & Trainings: https://hilaryrusso.com/events Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilaryrusso LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso Book (upcoming): “Hug It Out” (details on website) This episode is your invitation to be kind to your mind, discover the power of havening, and start hacking your way to healing.

    25 min

  2. 3D AGO

    The Science of Self-Healing, Resilience, and the Hug It Out Method—Unlocking Emotional Power (Hilary Rousseau)

    What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Rousseau—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind’s safe space. Discover how humor, understanding, and gratitude can become your daily tools for emotional well-being. Hilary’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—this conversation will change the way you think about healing, self-care, and the stories we tell ourselves. What You'll Learn: The “Hug It Out” Method: How humor, understanding, and gratitude can transform your emotional landscape. Havening Techniques: The science-backed self-soothing practice that rewires your brain for safety and calm. Gratitude’s Power: Why two minutes of gratitude each morning can change your entire day. Music & Healing: How rhythm and song activate your vagus nerve and regulate emotions. Resilience in Adversity: Lessons from trauma, storytelling, and finding joy—even in the hardest moments. Timestamps: 00:00 — Hilary Rousseau: The Journey to Healing and Resilience 02:10 — What Is Havening? The Science of Creating a Safe Mind 07:45 — The Hug It Out Method: Humor, Understanding, Gratitude 13:20 — Self-Healing vs. Self-Care: Starting with Gratitude 17:05 — Music, Rhythm, and Emotional Regulation 22:30 — Lessons from War Movies: Finding Strength in Adversity 28:15 — The Power of Storytelling: Big Fish, Grief, and Legacy

    27 min

  3. 5D AGO

    The Entrepreneurial Translator Reveals the Secret Systems Behind Six-Figure Freelancing (Jason Willis Lee)

    What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, burnout-proof freelance business is a single mindset shift? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Jason Willis Lee—medical translator, business strategist, and host of the Freelance Training podcast—to uncover the hidden frameworks that separate struggling freelancers from industry leaders. From the power of lead magnets to the art of productizing your expertise, Jason shares the hard-won lessons and emotional turning points that fueled his evolution from service provider to sought-after thought leader. If you’re ready to attract better clients, earn more, and finally break free from the time-for-money trap, this conversation is your blueprint. What You'll Learn: Discover why “standing out in a sea of sameness” is the #1 skill for freelancers—and how to do it. Learn the lead magnet strategies that build trust and fill your pipeline with high-quality clients. Find out how virtual assistants and automation can buy back your time and scale your business. Uncover the secrets to productizing your expertise and making the leap to six figures. Get Jason’s advice for building a resilient content machine that keeps working—even when you’re not. Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome & Jason’s Evolution: From translator to thought leader 00:42 – The #1 Mistake Freelancers Make (and how to fix it) 02:24 – Lead Magnets That Actually Work: Glossaries, cheat sheets, and more 05:07 – The Power of Teams: Why virtual assistants are a game-changer 05:41 – Packaging Your Expertise: Moving beyond time-for-money 08:13 – Automation & Newsletters: Building a business that runs itself 11:11 – What to Build First: Jason’s advice for stuck freelancers Guest Links: Website: https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com LinkedIn: Search “Jason Willis Lee” or “Entrepreneurial Translator” Podcast: Freelance Training (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts) Book Reference: “How to Find Modern Clients” (featured in episode) Instagram: (Not provided; recommend searching guest’s name) If you want to go deeper, connect with Jason on LinkedIn or visit his website for more resources, courses, and his acclaimed podcast.

    16 min

  4. 6D AGO

    From Medical Translation to Entrepreneurial Mastery—How to Stand Out, Future-Proof Your Skills, and Say No to Perfection (Jason Willis-Lee)

    Step inside the mind of Jason Willis-Lee, an ITI certified medical translator and serial entrepreneur, who’s spent over 25 years navigating the shifting tides of business, burnout, and personal brand in a world flooded with AI and endless content. With wisdom forged in Madrid and a career packed with reinvention, Jason reveals how freelancers can break through the noise, leverage their story, and create a business only they can build. In this unmissable conversation, Jason and Junaid dive into the secrets of packaging your IP, building a magnetic personal brand, and why iteration— not perfection— is the real superpower in 2025. Whether you’re a solopreneur, creative, or future-proofing your income against the AI tide, this episode uncovers how to claim your authority, connect more deeply, and build demand for what only you can deliver. What You'll Learn: Why personal branding is your uncopyable moat in business. How to transition from trading time for money to scalable impact. Lessons on balancing automation with authenticity and quality. The importance of rapid iteration over perfection for freelancers. How the best in the business—from Elon Musk to Hormozi—build demand and break out. Timestamps: [0:00] Welcome & Rapid Introduction: Meet Jason Willis-Lee—translator, entrepreneur, and podcast host. [0:45] From Employee to Entrepreneur: Jason’s powerful pivot and 25 years of reinvention. [2:35] The Per-Hour Trap & Packaging IP: How to stop selling time and start selling transformation. [5:00] “Find More Clients” and the Supply-Demand Secret—building buzz like Elon Musk. [7:14] AI, Automation & Quality: Standing out when content is infinite. [12:28] Authority Through Authenticity: The personal brand strategy that never fails. [17:29] The “Perfection Trap”: Jason’s game-changing advice for every freelancer. Guest Links: Website: https://www.jasonwillislee.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-willis-lee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonwillislee/ Book: “How to Find More Clients”

    26 min

  5. SEP 29

    Military Discipline Meets Wall Street — How to Trade with Courage, Not Greed(Casey Stubbs)

    Could your biggest trading loss be just one emotional decision away? In this gripping episode, Casey Stubbs — veteran, trader, and creator of the 1% Weekly Trading System — reveals the life-changing mindset shifts and risk strategies that help thousands move from gambling with their futures to building real wealth. Casey brings military discipline, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare emotional honesty to a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about success in the markets and in life. Discover why trading isn’t about getting rich quick, how to tame emotional impulses, and why those who protect their gains — not just chase them — become the true winners. Whether you’re looking to escape financial pain or secure a vision for your future, this raw, curiosity-driven discussion will leave you re-evaluating how you approach money, risk, and personal growth. What You'll Learn: The biggest mental shift traders must make: it’s not a casino, it’s a craft. Emotional control is the true “edge” — and most traders lose without it. Risk management isn’t optional; it’s your survival plan. Consistency and reinvesting profits are keys to scaling up safely. Focus on the “top 20%” — the Pareto Principle creates outsized results, especially in tech. Featured Timestamps: [00:00] Mindset Reset: How traders sabotage success by chasing quick wins [01:12] The Hidden Cost of Emotional Trading & How to Beat It [03:01] Military Secrets: Risk Management Lessons for Investors [07:23] From Profits to Progress: The Power of Reinvesting [08:40] The 80/20 Rule: How Top Investors Pick Winning Stocks [10:00] Tech as the Wealth Engine: Past, Present, and Future [12:23] Fun Finale: What Monk the Detective Teaches Us About Money Guest Links: Website: freedomincomeoptions.com

    15 min

  6. SEP 26

    The Truth About Replacing Your Income—1% Weekly Returns, Financial Freedom, and the Mindset That Changes Everything (Casey Stubbs)

    What if you could walk away from your 9-to-5 and never look back? In this revealing episode, Casey Stubbs—trading authority and mission-driven mentor—shares how he empowers 100,000 professionals to master a step-by-step trading system for consistent 1% weekly returns. Discover the emotional journey behind the strategies, the misconceptions about options, and the mindset shift that can transform your financial life forever. Join Junaid Ahmed in a deeply honest conversation where financial independence meets personal growth, and the real keys to lasting wealth are finally unlocked. What You'll Learn : Why most people misunderstand options trading—and how Casey makes it simple and safe. The life-changing power of consistent, small wins over risky gambles. How emotional intelligence shapes financial success (and failure). The "cash-secured put" and "covered call"—Casey's two-step formula for predictable returns. The one mindset shift every aspiring trader must make to change their lives. Timestamps: [00:00] Escaping the 9-to-5: Meet Casey Stubbs and his mission [01:00] A family legacy—early influences, hard lessons, and teenage stock trading [05:00] Emotional spending, discipline, and turning $200/week into $30,000 [08:40] The biggest misconception: options are not just for “gamblers” [11:20] Breaking down Casey’s 1% system: The two strategies anyone can use [14:40] Real success stories: retirees, side hustlers, and the power of consistency [19:01] The rule that applies to trading—and life: manage risk, not just dreams **Guest Links:** Website: CaseyStubbs.com (placeholder – replace with actual link if available) LinkedIn: Casey Stubbs on LinkedIn Instagram: @caseystubbs Book: [Casey Stubbs’ Books]

    23 min
  7. The Visibility Architect—How to Stand Out, Monetize Your Passions, and Build a Brand That Lasts ( Michelle Thames )

    SEP 25

    The Visibility Architect—How to Stand Out, Monetize Your Passions, and Build a Brand That Lasts ( Michelle Thames )

    What if the secret to building a thriving business isn’t about being everywhere, but about showing up where it matters most? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Michelle Thames—brand strategist, podcast host, and digital ecosystem architect—to uncover the real blueprint for standing out, attracting clients, and turning your passions into profit. Michelle’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and resilience. She reveals why visibility is more than just posting online, how to craft a customer journey that converts, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about branding, marketing, and making your mark. What You'll Learn: Visibility starts with knowing your audience—down to their deepest motivations. Focus on platforms where your ideal clients actually spend time, not everywhere at once. Build a customer journey: nurture leads, create trust, and guide them to conversion. Monetize your expertise through digital products, audio courses, coaching, and more. Messaging and follow-up are the secret weapons for turning followers into paying clients. Timestamps: 00:00 – Michelle’s Reinvention: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Over 00:39 – The Visibility Blueprint: Where to Show Up and Why 02:44 – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make (and How to Fix It) 06:55 – Monetizing Multiple Passions: From Digital Products to Paid Speaking 10:12 – The #1 Fix for Struggling to Convert Your Audience 12:59 – Three Practical Steps to Boost Visibility and Revenue Today 14:48 – Michelle’s Dream Business Beyond Marketing (and Her Love for Matcha) Guest Links: Website: https://thingsmediasolutions.com Website: https://michellethames.com (coming soon) Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelleLthames LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michellethames Facebook: https://facebook.com/michellethames YouTube: https://youtube.com/@michellethames This episode is your invitation to rethink visibility, embrace your expertise, and start building a brand that truly stands out.

    18 min
  8. From Fired to Fearless—How Reinvention Built a Multi-Passionate Empire ( Michelle Thames)

    SEP 24

    From Fired to Fearless—How Reinvention Built a Multi-Passionate Empire ( Michelle Thames)

    What if losing everything was the spark you needed to build your dream life? In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals how being fired from her healthcare job became the catalyst for a radical reinvention. Discover how she transformed a side hustle into a thriving business, built a digital marketing agency with her husband, and became a sought-after speaker and podcast host. Michelle’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, embracing your passions, and turning setbacks into your greatest advantage. What You'll Learn: Why getting fired can be the best thing that ever happened to you The power of starting small and building one client at a time How to balance multiple passions without losing focus The mindset shift every woman over 40 needs to thrive in business Why you don’t need to be everywhere to build visibility Timestamps: 00:02 — Fired & Fearless: Michelle’s turning point 02:10 — From Side Hustle to Full-Time: The birth of a business 04:30 — Building a Brand: Lessons from a multi-million dollar startup 07:15 — Betting on Yourself: The moment Michelle went all in 10:00 — Balancing Passions: Strategies for multi-passionate entrepreneurs 13:20 — Reinventing After 40: Advice for late bloomers 16:00 — Quickfire: Biggest leap, mindset shifts, and visibility mistakes Guest Links: Website: [Michelle Thames Media Solutions](#) LinkedIn: [Michelle Thames](#) Instagram: [@michellethames](#) Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

    23 min
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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

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