Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Junaid Ahmed
  • 5.0 (66)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Hacks & Hobbies is where passions turn into profit stories. Host Junaid Ahmed interviews entrepreneurs, creators, and builders who are turning what they love into real momentum—income, confidence, community, and impact. Expect practical takeaways on podcasting, video content, home studios, personal branding, systems, and mindset—so your next idea doesn’t stay “someday.” If you’re building something (a show, a brand, a business, a better version of yourself), you’ll feel at home here.

  1. 5d ago

    William “Bill E.” Stitt: How Serenaded Bacon, Soulful Hospitality & Storytelling Built a National Food Brand

    Top 5 Takeaways: Brand starts with identity, not product. “Bill-E’s” was born in a college speech class long before the first slice hit a smoker. Serenaded bacon is brand magic, not marketing fluff. Live music, visible craft, and ritual turn a commodity into an experience. Let the product be the star. A blunt bar regular forced Bill to redesign his menu so the bacon could finally take center stage. People are the secret ingredient. From dishwashers to managers, Bill builds systems where his team can grow from “a 4” to “a 10.” Ethical sourcing is a competitive edge. Carefully chosen bellies, salt, and sugar cost more than most finished supermarket bacon — and that’s the point. Timestamps 00:00 – From simple idea to national phenomenon Junaid sets the stage: why Bill E.’s bacon isn’t just food, it’s a movement. 02:19 – The line cook who wanted every station Bill E. on being the first to volunteer, mastering every role, and dreaming of chef status. 03:39 – When bacon stopped being a side and became the mission How years of making bacon “for himself” turned into a vision to supply kitchens nationwide. 04:58 – The birth of “Bill-E’s” in a college speech class The story behind the name, his father’s influence, and a brand portfolio that started as a class assignment. 06:12 – Serenaded bacon: the moment the brand magic clicked The tiny test kitchen behind the live music stage, the smoke, the sound, and the first time someone called it “serenaded bacon.” 10:30 – “You’re not letting the bacon be the star” A brutally honest bar regular changes everything — and Bill rebuilds the menu around his hero product. 18:20 – Why this bacon is unforgettable (even if you never taste it) Sourcing, ethics, ingredient quality, and how scaling smart will lower costs without losing soul. Guest Links Note: Add Bill’s actual links here once confirmed — these are placeholders for your show notes draft. Website: Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon – Official site for products, story, and ordering (https://www.billesbacon.com/the-passion) Restaurant / Concept: Bill-E’s restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama LinkedIn: William “Bill E.” Stitt – Founder & Restaurateur Instagram: Behind-the-scenes of serenaded bacon, team, and restaurant life Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/BILLESTITT1 Press / Features: Food Channel and national media features on Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon (add article links) 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    William “Bill E.” Stitt: How Serenaded Bacon, Soulful Hospitality & Storytelling Built a National Food Brand

  2. Jul 30

    The Secret Playbook Behind Million-Dollar Domain Deals (Sex.com, AI.com & the Future of Domains)

    Five key takeaways: Domains behave like real estate: due diligence, legal terms and the buyer pool determine true value — not just a price tag. Payment-over-time deals are risky — courts, bankruptcy and defaults make cash often king in high-stakes sales. The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make: underspending on the domain that will carry their brand — it erodes trust and costs more later. Valuation blend: commercial demand, industry CPC, comparable sales and how many extensions/variants are registered. AI and new extensions will change discovery, but domains will remain critical as the source of truth and identity in an increasingly app-driven world. TIMESTAMPS (short & enticing) 0:00 — Why domains are more than letters: the identity argument 4:04 — Sex.com in bankruptcy: urgency, offers and the $17M lesson 6:18 — Top mistakes founders make when picking domains (and how to avoid them) 11:38 — If you’ve got $10k–$50k: where to spend and why (.com vs .ai vs .net) 16:42 — How to value a domain: the appraisal playbook (real estate mindset) 21:00 — When common names sell: Ahmed, Khalid and the quirks of cultural value 25:09 — The future: AI, search, and whether domains become more or less important 31:37 — Where to go next (practical next steps and contact info) Guest links & resources Saw.com — https://saw.com (Jeffrey’s firm for buying/selling/evaluating domains) Contact Jeffrey: buzz@saw.com (mention the podcast — Jeffrey offers to talk through domain questions) Hacks & Hobbies show notes — https://hacksandhobbies.com (episode resources & links) Treat your domain like an asset, not an afterthought. Replay the first 10 minutes and start auditing the names you own — which ones deserve an investment, which ones should be parked, and which could be your next brand-defining move. If you’re stuck, email buzz@saw.com and mention Hacks & Hobbies — Jeffrey offered to help walk founders through valuation and strategy. 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Secret Playbook Behind Million-Dollar Domain Deals (Sex.com, AI.com & the Future of Domains)

  3. Jul 23

    Empowered Podcasting CMO on Turning Followers into a Year‑Round Community (How EPC3 Makes Belonging Stick)

    5 key takeaways: Community ≠ audience: community is recurring, reciprocal, and built through shared experiences, not metrics. The magic happens in the hallways: stages teach, corridors create opportunities (collabs, podcasts, books). Design with belonging in mind: workshops, interactive journals, visible staff, and pre-event touchpoints turn attendees into contributors. Make introverts powerful connectors: be interested, not interesting — ask great questions and invite people in. Start local, know your "who": test pop-ups and meetups before scaling to travel-heavy conferences. Timestamps (with enticing labels): 0:00 — Opening: Why in-person gatherings still outvalue online reach 3:48 — Podfest pivot: Rich’s defining moment from virtual to real‑world belonging 7:08 — Airbnb retreat: How hallway encounters became a week‑long creative masterclass 15:17 — Hallways vs. stages: Where learning ends and collaboration begins 20:36 — Making newcomers belong: the staff-led approach that stops cliques 25:54 — Tips for introverts: simple questions that spark big conversations 33:15 — EPC3 preview & who benefits most: growth, monetization, and community in focus Guest links: Website / podcasts / book: https://richperry.com — 10 Minute Mentor, Purpose First Entrepreneur, and free copy of Talk of the Town Empowered Podcasting / event: https://empoweredpodcasting.com — EPC3 (Aug 21–23, Charlotte) Social (find EPC + community): Empowered Podcasting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram (links via empoweredpodcasting.com) 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Empowered Podcasting CMO on Turning Followers into a Year‑Round Community (How EPC3 Makes Belonging Stick)

  4. Jul 21

    Podcast Strategy Coach: Why Small Conferences Change Careers (and How to Network Without the Awkwardness)

    Five key takeaways Stop collecting business cards: bring an agenda and one concrete follow-up goal per event. Small, intimate conferences often deliver deeper ROI than massive industry shows—if you show up with intention. Replace “What do you do?” with questions about passion and problems to spark memorable conversations. Use simple systems (journals, one friend covering another track, session recordings) to convert a firehose of info into usable action. Strategy-first podcasting (VIP planning, seasons vs. weekly grind) prevents overwhelm and accelerates meaningful growth. Timestamps 0:00 — Opening: Why one conversation can collapse years of trial and error 2:58 — The first Empowered Podcasting Conference: spotting potential in a small room 7:50 — The hallway magic: why informal moments beat polished stages for collaboration 14:11 — In-person vs virtual: what networking loses (and gains) online 25:01 — Tactical prep: how to build a conference roadmap and why to recruit a “track buddy” 35:55 — The EPC journal and the habit of capturing actionable notes (turn inspiration into execution) 39:51 — Strategy-first podcasting: VIP days, seasons, and the roadmap before the mic Guest links Bombtrack Media — https://bombtrackmedia.com Jason Cercon / Jason Cercone — jasoncercone.com Empowered Podcasting Conference — https://empoweredpodcasting.com 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Podcast Strategy Coach: Why Small Conferences Change Careers (and How to Network Without the Awkwardness)

  5. Jul 14

    Financial Planner, Podcast Host & Founder of Portis Wealth Advisors: How Embracing Failure Became His Greatest Growth Engine

    Five key takeaways Failure-as-feedback: The faster you fail, the faster you learn — in business and in the gym. Client-first transitions: How white-glove execution turned a custody crisis into long-term retention. Co-founder (or partner) dynamics: Why complementary temperaments multiply results and reduce catastrophic mistakes. Resilience as strategy: Progress is non-linear; endurance and iteration beat perfectionism. Tangible vs. abstract work: Woodworking (and other hands-on hobbies) gives the finality many advisors miss. Timestamps (with enticing labels) 0:00 — Welcome & setup: Why William’s story matters (from recession to advisor) 1:19 — The accidental planner: How an economics major found purpose in teaching clients 4:58 — Portis origin story: The custody switch that nearly derailed everything 10:22 — Fail fast, grow faster: Lessons from founders and the garage gym 15:58 — The power of partnership: Why co-founders and spouses are strategic assets 24:30 — Resilience as a business strategy: Mishaps, pivots, and why to keep going 29:11 — Woodworking & finality: Why creating with your hands matters for leaders 36:21 — Seinfeld & the human lesson: Getting what you want vs. getting what you need 37:29 — Teaser for Part Two: Tactical wealth strategies for high-income entrepreneurs Guest links www.portusadvisors.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambissett/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Portus-Wealth-Advisors/61572848737086/ https://www.instagram.com/portus_wealth_advisors/ https://www.youtube.com/@portuswealthadvisors4298 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Financial Planner, Podcast Host & Founder of Portis Wealth Advisors: How Embracing Failure Became His Greatest Growth Engine

  6. Jul 9

    Asgardia Minister of Equity & Resources on Building a Digital Nation, Space Ethics, and the Moment Her Legacy Reached the Moon

    5 key takeaways: Moonshot as legacy: Digital assets on the moon turned an improbable idea into a deeply emotional milestone for a global community. Entrepreneurs as nation-builders: Startup mindset and product thinking accelerate governance — but require new leadership skills. Space needs law now: Without regulation, space activities risk large-scale harm; lawyers and business leaders must shape policy. Ethical, inclusive design matters: A digital nation must embed equity and transparency to avoid corporate capture of new frontiers. Play fuels purpose: Virtual worlds, gaming, and community rituals (Second Life parties, in-game embassies) are practical tools for building culture and momentum. Timestamps (5–7): 0:00 — Welcome & episode setup: Why Part Two matters 1:13 — The moon moment: how Asgardia’s assets made it to the lunar surface 5:16 — From D&D skepticism to million‑vote election: Jennifer’s path to parliament 9:18 — Building real systems: the intranet, the cabinet role, and entrepreneurial value in governance 11:36 — The legal frontier: why space law is urgent (and who should lead it) 15:33 — Parallels between nation-building and scaling a business 19:54 — How Jennifer unwinds: gaming, Second Life, and the human side of leadership Guest links: Jennifer Gilgoric — Super Clinic Project: https://superclinicproject.com Asgardia (official): https://asgardia.space Second Life: https://secondlife.com https://SuperClinicProject.com0 https://www.instagram.com/jennstx/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergligoric, FREEBIE link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18aj7KCQnssAOEOw_OmjiUs5nPITKrsLQQXEATmwTeyU/preview 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Asgardia Minister of Equity & Resources on Building a Digital Nation, Space Ethics, and the Moment Her Legacy Reached the Moon

  7. Jul 9

    Founder of The Flow Group on Reinventing Hearing Tech, Accessibility & Turning Trauma into Purpose

    Key takeaways: How personal crisis (vision loss + addiction + financial collapse) can be reframed into a purpose-driven business mission. Why traditional hearing aids fail many users — and how open-ear, bone-conduction designs reduce stigma and cost. The front-line work: what door-to-door trust-building with seniors taught Michael about product adoption. The Flow Group’s product features that matter: noise reduction, dual-volume control, indoor/outdoor modes and comfort under $300. How assistive tech can serve multiple communities (hearing + visually impaired) when designed with empathy. Timestamps: 0:00 — Welcome & origin story: the moment Michael turned pain into purpose 1:49 — The turning point: relationships, sobriety and getting focused 5:07 — Diagnosis that changed everything: retinitis pigmentosa and daily life 8:56 — The product reveal: open-ear, affordable alternatives to hearing aids 9:14 — Real impact: restoring confidence, conversations and community 12:18 — A second product: alerts and navigation for people with vision loss 15:18 — What’s next: Dragons’ Den, Legacy Makers and scaling accessibility Guest links: Website: https://theinnerflow.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowgroup (search @TheFlowGroup) (Mentioned) Upcoming appearances: Dragons’ Den audition, Legacy Makers streaming project Episode notes / SEO keywords: Hearing loss, bone conduction headphones, accessibility tech, retinitis pigmentosa, senior care technology, affordable hearing solutions, The Flow Group, assistive devices, stigma-free hearing, product adoption for seniors Shareable quote: “I didn’t want my sight to be a disadvantage — I wanted it to be a purpose.” Want part two? Subscribe for the deep technical dive where Michael explains bone conduction, noise-reduction chips, and the product roadmap that’s putting dignity back into hearing. 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Founder of The Flow Group on Reinventing Hearing Tech, Accessibility & Turning Trauma into Purpose

  8. Jul 7

    Trial Lawyer, AI & Privacy Pioneer: How Courtroom Storytelling Builds Attention, Trust & Influence

    5 key takeaways Tell better stories: Use courtroom-tested structures (the hero’s journey + a 5-step persuasive framework) to make listeners care. Context > content: Give AI the right context (audience, brief, constraints) so it generates usable ideas — not canned scripts. Newsjacking done right: React quickly to breaking news with unique perspective to get media attention and platform amplification. Substack as a growth engine: Repurpose audio, offer perks, and convert readers into paid subscribers — Mitch grew to ~15k subscribers by focusing there. Start small & consistent: Pick one medium, keep episodes short and topical, and prioritize joy — consistency beats complexity. Timestamps (5–7 with enticing labels) 0:00 — Welcome & the episode promise: why conversations beat funnels 3:10 — From courtroom to podcast mic: how jury work sharpened Mitch’s communication 12:15 — The Substack switch: how a text-first platform turned local reach into a global community 20:50 — Newsjacking in real time: planning live streams around breaking court decisions 33:40 — The 5-step courtroom-to-podcast persuasion framework you can use tomorrow 44:00 — Metaphors that land: the Russian roulette story that won a jury 52:20 — Using AI as an investigator: prompts, context, and keeping your voice intact Guest links Website: https://mitch-jackson.com Substack (primary hub): https://mitchthelawyer.substack.com Books: Leading with AI; Artificial Intelligence in Law; Privacy in America (search on major retailers / Mitch’s site for purchase links) Newsletter: Mitch the Lawyer on Substack (same as above) Instagram / X / LinkedIn: (search “Mitch Jackson” or visit mitch-jackson.com for direct social links) 🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Trial Lawyer, AI & Privacy Pioneer: How Courtroom Storytelling Builds Attention, Trust & Influence
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About

Hacks & Hobbies is where passions turn into profit stories. Host Junaid Ahmed interviews entrepreneurs, creators, and builders who are turning what they love into real momentum—income, confidence, community, and impact. Expect practical takeaways on podcasting, video content, home studios, personal branding, systems, and mindset—so your next idea doesn’t stay “someday.” If you’re building something (a show, a brand, a business, a better version of yourself), you’ll feel at home here.

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