Streamlined Solopreneur: Build a Business That's Not Overwhelming

Joe Casabona — Business Systems Architect
  • 4.1 (102)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

You didn’t become a business owner to spend your days wrangling apps that don’t work well together. When your tools aren’t in sync, every task takes longer—stealing time from your clients, your family, and yourself. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Each week, I’ll share real automations I’ve built, simple integrations, and smart workflows so your tech stack just works. I’m Joe Casabona, and I help small business owners run their business in less time—without sacrificing quality or burning out. After hitting my own breaking point, I rebuilt everything around simple systems and automations that now save me 12+ hours a week. Each episode brings you real-world strategies, smarter workflows, and practical tools to help you reclaim your time and actually enjoy the freedom you set out to create. Because your business should support your life—not take it over.

  1. Kill Decision Fatigue with Simple “Recipes” for Your Business with Layla Pomper

    2D AGO

    Kill Decision Fatigue with Simple “Recipes” for Your Business with Layla Pomper

    Ever go to do something – a task for your business, yard work, cooking – and suddenly realize you’re not sure where to start?  It’s not that you don’t know what to do…you just need a little help organizing your thoughts. It would be a lot easier if everything is written down, step-by-step. That’s where SOPs come in.  Most solopreneurs think SOPs are only for big companies with teams of 50+. But the truth? Even if you’re a business of one, SOPs (standard operating procedures) can save you time, reduce errors, and keep your business running smoothly—especially on the days when your energy or focus isn’t there. In this conversation with Layla Pomper of ProcessDriven, we dig into how SOPs can simplify your work, help you automate and delegate, and even free up more headspace for the creative stuff you actually enjoy. Trying to figure out which SOPs you should create first? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic. Top Takeaways SOPs are like recipes—great for capturing details you’ll forget in the moment and for keeping quality consistent.Writing down the process first makes automation or delegation way easier—and prevents wasted time tinkering.SOPs aren’t about bureaucracy; they’re about removing decision fatigue and protecting your creative energy.Show Notes Layla PomperClickUpAsanaMondayNotionTodoistZapierMakeMissiveGatherGoogle CalendarRiversideRSS.comTellaEcamm LiveWhat do you think? Send your feedback to streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★

    47 min
  2. Accidental Entrepreneur: Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Dylan Redekop

    SEP 8

    Accidental Entrepreneur: Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Dylan Redekop

    Ever stumble into entrepreneurship by accident? Dylan Redekop did — and he’s built a business that lets him spend time with his family, stay fit, and still grow his newsletter.  We get into freelancing vs. solopreneurship vs. contracting, why balance matters more than hustle, and the little systems that keep ideas from slipping through the cracks (while still allowing us to be present parents).  Looking for a way to find balance to run your business and get the restorative time you need? Take the Business Overwhelm Quiz. Top Takeaways Freelancer vs. Solopreneur: Freelancers sell their skills to other businesses, while solopreneurs often build a one-person business with products or services. Both models can work, but knowing how you identify helps clarify your work.Balancing Contract Work and Side Projects: Choosing projects that complement each other creates a symbiotic relationship instead of competing for time.Making Space for Hobbies and Health: Fitness, hobbies, and restorative time aren’t luxuries—they’re essential to being a better parent, partner, and business owner.Show Notes Growth Currency (Dylan’s Newsletter)Dylan Redekop on LinkedInGrowth in Reverse To Grow Your Newsletter, You Need to Have Unique Content with Chenell BasilioRethinking Our Relationship with Time and Money with Khe Hy What do you think? Send your feedback to streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★

    46 min
  3. GAPS Framework: How to Build Space in Your Business

    SEP 1

    GAPS Framework: How to Build Space in Your Business

    Ever feel like your business eats up every free moment? The truth is, you don’t need Taylor Swift-level fame or Hormozi-style hype to succeed. What you actually need is space—room to create, promote, and step away without guilt. That’s why I use the GAPS framework: Gear, Automations, Playbooks, and Support. It’s the system that helped me reclaim 10–12 hours a week, even during one of the busiest summers of my life. In this episode, I break down how you can use GAPS to stop fighting with your tools, cut the manual busywork, and finally get your time back. Top Takeaways Fame hacks don’t apply—your focus should be on knowing your audience, creating for them, promoting, and experimenting.The biggest bottleneck isn’t knowing what to do—it’s finding the time to do it.Gear: Invest in reliable tools so tech doesn’t slow you down.Automations: Use tools like Zapier, Riverside, and Notion to handle repetitive tasks.Playbooks: Create simple SOPs so you or anyone else can follow the same steps every time.Support: Delegate to a VA, editor, or even students—don’t try to do it all yourself.Show Notes Watch on YouTubeOverwhelm QuizRiversideRSS.comTella.tvEcamm LiveZapierNotionSamson Q2U Microphone ★ Support this podcast ★

    12 min
  4. Don't Let AI Kill Personal Touch [Audio Note]

    AUG 29 · BONUS

    Don't Let AI Kill Personal Touch [Audio Note]

    I've had a few conversations with parents lately about how it feels like our kids are being pushed through, "the machine." When we get that personal touch, it's notable — even unexpected. I fear AI is killing personal touch in the name of reach. If you want to stand out, keeping the personal touch is quickly becoming the easiest way. Have thoughts? Send feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com This description was not written by AI. I'm going to stop doing that.   ★ Support this podcast ★

    7 min
  5. Full-Time Job, Side Hustles, and Fatherhood: Can You Actually Do It All? with Matt Medeiros

    AUG 25

    Full-Time Job, Side Hustles, and Fatherhood: Can You Actually Do It All? with Matt Medeiros

    What happens when you’re a dad of 3, working a full-time job, and still running not one but two side hustles? That’s the question I put to my friend Matt Medeiros — fellow podcaster, WordPress veteran, and all-around content machine. We talk honestly about what it takes to juggle parenting, work, and multiple projects without burning out (or completely losing your mind). From managing sponsorship revenue to choosing the right tools, to figuring out when to reinvest vs. cash out, Matt shares what’s working for him — and where he’s still figuring it out. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance family life while chasing creative business ideas, you’ll take away some real strategies (and a few good laughs). Wondering how you can manage your time to find the perfect balance? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic. Top Takeaways Common threads make side hustles sustainable – keeping your work, projects, and interests connected makes context-switching easier and prevents burnout.Don’t turn every hobby into a business – it’s tempting, but some things are better left as hobbies so you can actually enjoy them.Content creation is career insurance – podcasting, writing, or videos not only generate side income but also build a portfolio that makes you more valuable in the job market.The right tools save hours – Riverside, Descript, and Opus Clips help streamline production, while letting him focus on strategy instead of getting lost in the weeds.Show Notes Gravity FormsThe WP MinuteThe Podcast SetupRSS.com DescriptRiversideOpus ClipsKit.com (formerly ConvertKit)GhostWhat do you think? Send your feedback to streamlinedfeedback.com Contains affiliate links. ChatGPT helped with writing this description.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    32 min
  6. Is Gemini the Best AI Chat Thing? [Audio Note]

    AUG 24 · BONUS

    Is Gemini the Best AI Chat Thing? [Audio Note]

    I’ve been testing Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude to see which one actually helps me. Claude felt forgetful, so I dropped it. ChatGPT is still great at structured stuff, like rewriting transcripts. But for things I didn’t know how to start—like turning an outline into a flowchart or converting a school calendar into an ICS file—Gemini nailed it. My takeaway? AI shines when I need guidance and structure. When I’m just being lazy, it gives me junk and reminds me I should probably just do the work myself. Incidentally, ChatGPT did a better job at writing this summary… ★ Support this podcast ★

    6 min
  7. How to Prevent Overwhelm in Your Business with the D.A.D. Framework

    AUG 18

    How to Prevent Overwhelm in Your Business with the D.A.D. Framework

    Sometimes running a business can feel a bit like the curse of Sisyphus — pushing a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down again. Futile labor…because we dared to find life’s loopholes. But the difference between us and Sisyphus is we’re not cured. And our problems are totally fixable. Today, I’m going to tell you about my D.A.D. Framework: how to Document, Automate, and Delegate your way out of overwhelm. Then I’ll tell you about a resource to help you figure out where to start. What You'll Learn: Why running a business can make you feel like the mythical SisyphusThe three pillars of the D.A.D. framework and how to implement each oneReal automation examples that save hours without expensive toolsHow to delegate effectively (even with basic-level VAs)A 6-question diagnostic to identify where you're struggling mostWondering how the D.A.D. Framework can help you? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic Show Notes Looking for help with business overwhelm? Check out The Control Room.Watch on YouTubeTake the Overwhelm Diagnostic: streamlined.fm/overwhelmEpisode 486 with Charlotte Crowder: streamlined.fm/486Send feedback: streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★

    21 min
  8. Stop Personifying AI [Audio Note]

    AUG 13 · BONUS

    Stop Personifying AI [Audio Note]

    I'm calling out something that's been bothering me since ChatGPT-5 launched - people are getting upset about AI "changing its voice" and referring to these tools as teammates. This kind of personification is dangerous because it gives AI agency it doesn't actually have.  Just like you wouldn't call a hammer your teammate, we need to remember AI is simply a tool that gives statistically likely responses. This description was written by Claude AI. ★ Support this podcast ★

    3 min
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You didn’t become a business owner to spend your days wrangling apps that don’t work well together. When your tools aren’t in sync, every task takes longer—stealing time from your clients, your family, and yourself. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Each week, I’ll share real automations I’ve built, simple integrations, and smart workflows so your tech stack just works. I’m Joe Casabona, and I help small business owners run their business in less time—without sacrificing quality or burning out. After hitting my own breaking point, I rebuilt everything around simple systems and automations that now save me 12+ hours a week. Each episode brings you real-world strategies, smarter workflows, and practical tools to help you reclaim your time and actually enjoy the freedom you set out to create. Because your business should support your life—not take it over.

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