Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

Most founders are obsessed with “new customers” and blind to the fortune sitting in their existing list. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Nikita Vakhrushev, founder of Aspect Agency and retention specialist for over 100+ direct-to-consumer brands, to expose the hidden systems that turn casual buyers into lifelong customers. If you’ve ever felt guilty about “not emailing your list enough” or wondered why your campaigns don’t translate into real revenue, this conversation will flip the way you think about email, SMS, and retention forever. Nikita breaks down why “set it and forget it” is killing your profitability, the real difference between campaigns and lifecycle marketing, and how to think about retention as a revenue engine, not a “nice-to-have” side project. From customer psychology and buyer journeys to plain-text emails that quietly print money, this episode is a roadmap for founders who are ready to stop leaking profit and start building a brand people return to again and again. Retention is a system, not a sequence – your emails, SMS, logistics, and customer service all sit inside one “bucket” that either keeps customers… or leaks them. “Set it and forget it” is a myth – even your best automations must be tested, reordered, and optimized through constant A/B testing and experimentation. Lifecycle beats campaigns – top brands map messaging to where the customer is in their journey: unaware, problem-aware, solution-aware, company-aware, and product-aware. Design is great, but plain text quietly wins – personal, text-only emails often outperform designed newsletters because they feel human and deliver better. The future of agencies is data, not headcount – AI will write copy and design emails; the agencies that win will be those with the deepest, cleanest performance data. 5 Key Takeaways Timestamps [00:00] The Real Cost of Ignoring RetentionWhy brands are leaving $200–400k a year on the table by neglecting email and SMS. [03:44] The Death of “Set It and Forget It”Nikita explains why automations must be actively maintained, tested, and reordered to keep revenue growing. [08:24] Campaigns vs. Lifecycle: The Shift That Changes EverythingHow understanding customer awareness stages (from unaware to company-aware) transforms your retention strategy. [11:25] Designing a Customer Journey That Actually ConvertsFrom welcome flows to abandonment sequences: building belief in your brand step by step. [15:53] The Anatomy of a Great Retention SystemThe people, processes, and platforms you need: strategist, designer, copywriter, and why Klaviyo dominates Shopify stores. [23:01] Metrics That Actually Pay the BillsWhy open rates and CTR don’t matter if they don’t translate into revenue, LTV, and dollars-per-subscriber. [31:17] AI, Agencies, and the Future of RetentionHow AI will reshape agencies into data centers—and what smart brands should be doing right now to future-proof. [33:35] Overwhelmed? Do This One Thing This WeekNikita’s simple, plain-text email play any founder can send to generate revenue immediately. Guest Links Website:https://aspektagency.com/Social Media Links:instagram.com/nikitavakhrushvlinkedin.com/in/nikita-vtwitter.com/nikitavakhrushvyoutube.com/@nikitavakhrushevtv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most brands think they need more traffic. Nikita says they’re already sitting on a goldmine. In this episode, email & SMS strategist Nikita Vakhrushev, founder of Aspect, breaks down how direct-to-consumer brands are quietly leaving $200,000–$400,000 a year on the table by ignoring the “boring” retention channels: email and SMS. After helping over 100 DTC brands and turning broken automations into $40,000/month profit engines, Nikita reveals why the real leverage isn’t in your next ad campaign—it’s in how you follow up. Junaid and Nikita go deep into the exact flows, systems, and mindset shifts that separate brands who coast from brands who compound. If you’ve ever wondered why your Klaviyo is “set up” but not really printing money, this episode is your wake-up call. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Nikita turned a failing email setup into $40k/month in just a few months The core email & SMS flows every brand needs (and how most are set up wrong) Why constant discounting destroys your brand and your margins How to prepare for Black Friday/Cyber Monday like it’s the Super Bowl of retention What a real retention flywheel looks like when email, SMS, and paid traffic finally work together Timestamps [00:00] The email guy who never planned to run an email agencyHow Nikita went from running his own Shopify store to building Aspect, an email & SMS agency for DTC brands. [04:41] The $1k to $40k/month turnaround: rebuilding a broken backendThe “Good, Clean Love” case study that proved the pivot to email/SMS was a 7-figure decision. [07:31] Where the missing $200k–$400k a year is really hidingNikita breaks down the silent killers in most accounts: bad timing, weak follow-up, and unoptimized list growth. [11:46] The non-negotiable flows every brand must have (but most mess up)From welcome flows to four layers of abandonment and post-purchase—Nikita maps the essential retention spine. [16:27] The first system to build for a $50k/month brand with zero retentionWhy list growth and a “mystery offer” opt-in beat clever design and complex funnels. [20:41] Proactive vs. passive brands: who actually wins with agenciesThe behavioral difference between brands that explode and those that stagnate, even with the same strategy. [22:59] The dangerous myth: more sales ≠ more profitHow constant discounting trains your customers to never pay full price and slowly kills your margins. Key Takeaways Your email list is “owned land” — and most brands are farming it like a hobby garden. Nikita argues that while ads live on rented land, email and SMS are where you build durable, compounding revenue. One case study changed everything: rebuilding a client’s automations took them from “a couple hundred dollars” to ~$40,000/month in email revenue, purely from their existing list. Flows matter more than blasts. Welcome, abandonment (site, product, cart, checkout), post-purchase, cross-sell, win-back, and sunset flows form the backbone of serious retention. Most brands “have” them—but set up in a way that quietly loses money. Discounting is a trap. Constant sales don’t just crush margins; they rewire your customers to only buy on discount and to treat the “sale price” as the real price. Value-driven, objection-crushing emails win long term. Black Friday/Cyber Monday is a system, not an event. The best brands start in July, test through Q3, warm their list, run VIP presales, and turn Q4 into the make-or-break recovery quarter—with email doing the heavy lifting. Guest Links Website:https://aspektagency.com/Social Media Links:instagram.com/nikitavakhrushvlinkedin.com/in/nikita-vtwitter.com/nikitavakhrushvyoutube.com/@nikitavakhrushevtv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are your stories changing lives—or quietly causing harm? In this powerful conversation, nonprofit messaging strategist Maria Bryan returns to go deeper into trauma‑informed storytelling—and why every marketer, nonprofit leader, and creator needs to rethink how they collect and share stories. If you’ve ever shared a client story, testimonial, or case study “for the cause,” this episode will challenge you—in the best possible way. Maria explains how to move from well‑meaning to well‑practiced: embedding safety, consent, and dignity into every stage of your storytelling workflow. From fundraising campaigns to podcast interviews, she breaks down practical steps to reduce harm, protect the people behind the stories, and protect yourself from vicarious trauma. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, creative, or solo podcaster, you’ll walk away with a new lens on your work—and a clear path to doing it more ethically and sustainably. 5 Key Takeaways Why trauma-informed storytelling matters even if you’re “just” a marketer, podcaster, or creative—and how stories can unintentionally retraumatize the very people you want to help. How to audit your storytelling workflow from “we need a story” to “the story is live,” and where to build in more safety, agency, and consent. The danger of relying on simple checklists—and how to use them wisely without missing hidden risks, like revealing locations or sensitive details. How to recognize and prevent vicarious trauma as a storyteller, interviewer, or host who regularly holds space for hard stories. Practical tools for teams, contractors, and solopreneurs, including training, onboarding assets, and free resources to start your trauma-informed journey today. Timestamps [00:00] Why trauma-informed storytelling can’t be done in a silo [01:17] From “we need a story” to “it’s live”: auditing your storytelling workflow [03:21] Building safety and agency into interviews (and why 20 minutes isn’t enough) [05:00] Checklists, AI, and internal trainings: creating a trauma-informed culture [07:09] Spotting red flags and story risks beyond the obvious “don’ts” [09:45] Onboarding freelancers and partners into trauma-informed practices [10:29] Vicarious trauma: why storytellers must protect their own nervous system [12:23] Ethical self-storytelling and honoring your own trauma [12:53] Free toolkit, trainings, and the Storytelling Circle for ongoing support [13:50] Maria’s final message: why storytellers are world-changers Guest Links – Maria Bryan Website & Free Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit:https://www.mariabryan.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the way you tell stories is quietly harming the very people you want to help? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Maria Bryan, a trauma-informed storytelling trainer and host of the When Bearing Witness podcast. Maria has trained thousands of nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and storytellers to share stories that inspire change without exploitation, re-traumatization, or stripping people of their dignity. Together they unpack how traditional nonprofit and marketing storytelling—especially “success stories” and testimonials—can unintentionally cause deep harm, and what it really looks like to tell stories rooted in safety, consent, and agency. From rethinking “we need hundreds of stories a year” to creating harm repair plans and no-questions-asked takedown policies, this conversation is a blueprint for anyone who interviews, fundraises, or shares lived-experience stories. In this episode, you’ll learn: How trauma-informed storytelling radically differs from traditional marketing and fundraising stories Why telling fewer stories, more slowly and more thoughtfully, can actually increase impact and trust The subtle ways nonprofits and podcasters accidentally remove safety and agency from story owners Practical steps to make interviews, testimonials, and campaigns ethically and emotionally safer How to design organizational systems, consent processes, and harm repair plans that respect story owners for years after publication Key Timestamps [0:00:22] – What is trauma-informed storytelling?Maria explains how nonprofit stories can help or harm, and why traditional “impact stories” need a complete rethink. [0:03:35] – The hidden cost of telling hundreds of stories a yearWhy nonstop demand for “fresh stories” can burn trust, re-open wounds, and what to do instead. [0:05:46] – Safety & agency: two pillars everyone forgetsConcrete examples of how organizations unintentionally strip choice, autonomy, and safety from story owners. 5 Big Takeaways Trauma-informed storytelling starts with who the story is for and who it belongs to.Story owners are often people who’ve experienced housing insecurity, violence, addiction, or other hardship. Asking them to revisit their worst moments for a campaign is not neutral—it has emotional and physical consequences. Volume is the enemy of care.Nonprofits conditioned to believe they need “dozens or hundreds of fresh stories a year” often ignore trauma-informed processes. Slowing down, repurposing content, and using anonymous or composite stories can protect people while still raising money. Safety and agency are non-negotiable.From sharing clear goals for the story, to offering choices about interview format, location, and interviewer identity, every step should be designed to give back control to the story owner. Consent is not a one-time signature—it’s an ongoing relationship.Story owners should know where their story will appear, how it may be reused, and have the ability to review, correct, or retract. A no-questions-asked takedown policy is a hallmark of ethical storytelling. Being trauma-informed is a journey, not a checklist.Organizations and agencies must build systems: story readiness checks, multi-person review, cultural and health literacy review, and harm repair plans for when (not if) mistakes are made. Guest Link – Maria Bryan https://www.mariabryan.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if 95% of your life is being run by programs you didn’t choose? In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Irina Alexander, professional mental trainer and founder of the Academy of Motive, Action. With 20 years in neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and global wisdom traditions, Irina has helped hundreds of high-stress professionals step out of autopilot, dismantle hustle culture, and rebuild a life that actually feels like their own. Irina shares the moment she broke down on the highway, called her mother, and realised the successful life she’d built… wasn’t actually hers. From selling a thriving business to redefining success as soul-aligned living, she walks us through the inner rewiring required to move from obligation, burnout, and busyness into clarity, courage, and conscious choice. If you feel like you’re doing “all the right things” yet still feel empty, this conversation is a wake-up call. In this episode, you’ll learn: How your subconscious is programmed before age seven—and why it’s not too late to change it The single most powerful parenting shift Irina made to raise conscious, connected kids The breaking point moment where she realised her “successful” life was silently burning her out Why motivation is never enough—and the “choice, change, action” framework she uses with clients How to start saying yes to yourself, your soul, and your curiosity without burning your life down Timestamps [00:00] The Setup: Why Your Life Might Be Running on Default SettingsJunaid opens the episode and introduces Irina’s work on subconscious programming, burnout, and mental mastery. [02:11] How Your Childhood Wires Your Adult Life (And What That Means for Your Kids)Irina explains how subconscious programs are installed before age seven—and why awareness still gives you power as a parent. [04:58] “You Can’t Parent Your Kids, Only Yourself” – Radical Parenting ReframeIrina shares her philosophy on modelling over lecturing, quality over quantity, and the monthly “dates” she takes with her daughters. [07:46] The Breakdown on the Highway: When Success Stops Feeling Like SuccessIrina recounts calling her mother, walking away from 60–80 hour weeks, and realising she was living for obligation, not desire. [10:06] What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?The terrifying questions Irina asked herself before deciding to sell her company and rewrite her life. [12:15] Choice. Change. Action. The Framework for Rewiring Your LifeHow Irina blends neuroscience and soul work into a simple, brutally honest process for real transformation. [13:10] Saying Yes to Life Again: Curiosity, Self-Investment & Letting Go of JudgmentFrom personal development training to reconnecting with friends, Irina shares how she rebuilt her life from the inside out. Key Takeaways We live 95–97% of our lives on autopilot, driven by subconscious and unconscious programming formed in early childhood. Your kids don’t do what you say, they do what you do—the most powerful parenting is self-parenting and self-awareness. Burnout often hides behind “success”: external achievement can mask deep misalignment, exhaustion, and a lost sense of self. Motivation fades—discipline and aligned action don’t. Irina’s “choice, change, action” model turns awareness into transformation. Curiosity without judgment is a superpower: giving yourself permission to explore, question, and invest in yourself is where rewiring truly begins. Guest Links Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irina.alexander.7Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/your_favorite_russian_/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinaalexander/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Life-By-ChoiceWebsite – https://motivaction.academy/TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@motivaction.academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your life feels successful on the outside but empty, chaotic or exhausted on the inside, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Irina Alexander – a high-performance coach who blends neuroscience, leadership, and ancient wisdom – to unpack what it really takes to stop living on default and start living by conscious choice. Irina shares how she burned out as a driven business owner and mother, the moment she realized her “normal” was actually toxic, and the exact inner work she used to rewire her brain, heal from autopilot patterns, and build a life that feels aligned at a soul level. You’ll learn her 3P method (pause, pull back, physical scan), how to integrate what you know into how you actually live, and why small 1-degree shifts can completely change the trajectory of your life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re smart, capable, and high-performing—but still not at peace—this episode will show you a new way forward. 5 Big Takeaways Awareness is the real starting line – Change begins when you honestly admit, “This isn’t working for me,” without judgment or shame. The 3P method to break old patterns – Pause, Pull Back, Physical Scan gives you a simple, in-the-moment way to stop reacting and start choosing. Knowledge isn’t power without integration – Reading books and collecting insights is useless unless you practice them in the messiness of real life. Small shifts create massive life reroutes – A consistent 1-degree change in your habits and beliefs can lead you to a totally different “destination” over time. Community can make or break your growth – Surrounding yourself with people on the same path is essential if you want to escape the “crabs in a bucket” effect. Timestamps [00:00] Rewiring your brain: living by choice, not default [02:15] Is this really a problem for you? The first honest question [08:26] Burnout disguised as “normal” – Irina’s breaking point [14:48] The 3P method: pause, pull back, physical scan (do this today) [20:28] Communication that doesn’t backfire: what people actually need [21:39] Afraid of change? Why 1-degree shifts are more powerful than “radical” moves [25:21] Anything is possible: rewiring belief systems, science and soul Guest Links – Irina Alexander Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irina.alexander.7Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/your_favorite_russian_/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinaalexander/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Life-By-ChoiceWebsite – https://motivaction.academy/TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@motivaction.academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy. They fail because they get lost in the middle. In this raw and practical conversation, Junaid sits down with high‑performance coach Jake Smolarek to dismantle the myths around success, discipline, and “luck.” Jake introduces his powerful 1080/10 framework and Vision GPS, revealing why the middle 80% of any journey—the boring, lonely, repetitive part—is exactly where champions are made and everyone else quits. If you’ve ever felt stuck, started strong and faded, or secretly feared both failure and success, this episode will give you a new roadmap. You’ll learn how to think in decades, build systems that work when you sleep, and develop the kind of discipline that quietly turns you into “the lucky one” everyone talks about. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why the first 10% and last 10% are easy—and how the messy middle 80% actually creates your future The 1080/10 sequence: learn → practice → master → become a legend (and why you can’t skip steps) How to build a Vision GPS using vision, goals, a planning process, and systems that run 24/7 The truth about fear of failure vs. fear of success and how they lead to self‑sabotage Why discipline is a muscle, and the small daily actions that create long‑term freedom Timestamps 00:00 – The real reason most people stay stuck 01:00 – The 1080/10 Rule: where success is actually built 05:35 – The dark tunnel: surviving the hardest 20% of the 80% 10:14 – “You’re so lucky”: the story that exposes what luck really is 15:06 – Vision GPS: vision, goals, planning process and systems 20:26 – Fear of failure vs. fear of success and self‑sabotage 24:40 – Discipline as freedom: how to start when you’re scared and stay consistent Guest Links https://jakesmolarek.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesmolarek/https://www.instagram.com/jakesmolarek/https://www.facebook.com/jake.lucas.smolarekhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jakesmolarek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the only rule you followed was to never have a 0% day? In this powerful conversation, host Junaid Ahmed sits down with high-performance coach and entrepreneur Jake Smolarek, who arrived in the UK with just £150 and went on to build multiple successful businesses. This isn’t about hacks or hype. It’s about the brutal honesty, discipline, and obsession required to build a life you’re proud of. Jake breaks down his core frameworks — No 0% Days, the 10-80-10 rule, and a preview of his Vision GPS system — and shows how ordinary people with families, full-time jobs, and limited time can still build something extraordinary. From why we keep promises to others but break them to ourselves, to how to treat your side hustle like a plane taking off at 100% thrust, this episode will challenge the way you think about discipline, success, and what you’re truly capable of. You will not see your “busy schedule” the same way after this. Key Takeaways: Why moving to the UK with £150 forced Jake to redefine risk, ownership, and what really matters The mindset behind never having a 0% day and what a real 1% win looks like on your worst days How we lie to ourselves about “passions” like travel, and the brutal truth your calendar reveals Why everyone needs a coach, and how mentors and even unsuccessful people can speed up your success The difference between having a business and building a profitable one, and why obsession is non-negotiable Timestamps [00:01:45] The £150 leap – Why Jake left everything behind and moved to the UK with almost nothing [00:03:44] Discipline is not a mood – The real reason we keep promises to others but not to ourselves [00:07:01] Why everyone needs a coach – The power of outside feedback and learning from failure [00:12:34] No 0% Days explained – How to win even on your worst days and why “wishes” aren’t goals [00:16:27] What a 1% win looks like – Turning “I did nothing” days into small but crucial progress [00:18:23] Obsession, madness, and being number one – Why you must dominate your niche, not just participate [00:20:30] Side hustles, families, and time – Applying No 0% Days when you have a job, kids, and a full life Guest Links https://jakesmolarek.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesmolarek/https://www.instagram.com/jakesmolarek/https://www.facebook.com/jake.lucas.smolarekhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jakesmolarek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most entrepreneurs are building impressive businesses on a completely broken financial foundation. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Paden Squires, a CPA, CFP, and founder of Squires Tax Planning, who walked away from the corporate world to help business owners finally feel in control of their money. Paden reveals why even multi–million-dollar businesses are often a financial mess behind the scenes, why “just hiring a CPA” isn’t enough, and how simple systems, the right tools, and proactive tax planning can completely change the trajectory of your business and your life. This conversation is a roadmap for solopreneurs and small business owners who are tired of dreading tax season, guessing from their bank balance, and hoping it will all “work out somehow.” Paden breaks down how to think about profit, how to pay yourself, what numbers actually matter, and how to use AI and systems to build a business that doesn’t depend on you grinding 70 hours a week. You’ll walk away seeing finances not as fear, but as a framework for freedom. 5 Key Takeaways Most entrepreneurs are flying blind financially – even multi–million-dollar businesses often have chaotic books and zero decision-making insight. You can’t outsource responsibility for your numbers – you don’t need to be a CPA, but you must understand your own financial statements. Tax planning is an opportunity, not a bill – proactive, year-round strategy can legally save tens of thousands, far beyond basic tax prep. Systems and tech are the real leverage – AI tools, CRMs, and structured processes turn overwhelm into clarity and scalable growth. Solopreneurs must stop “running the business by the bank account” – intentional profit targets (like Profit First) and simple tracking change everything. Timestamps [00:00] The fear of finances and why entrepreneurs secretly dread their numbers [01:36] Leaving corporate: why Paden burned the bridge and started from his living room [02:38] The shocking truth: inside the messy finances of multi–million-dollar businesses [04:54] The biggest money misconception: “I’ll just hire someone to handle it” [08:18] Tax prep vs tax planning: how most business owners are leaving money on the table [11:54] Inside Paden’s clarity sessions: finding $20K–$30K in tax savings in a single review [15:02] Systems, CRMs and AI: building a business that doesn’t rely on you [20:26] Profit First, paying yourself, and why the bank balance is lying to you Guest Links – Paden Squires (Add or update once available for this episode’s show notes.) Website: https://www.squirestaxplanning.comPersonal Site: https://www.padensquires.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/padensquiresFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089855132002LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paden-squires-cpa-cfp-19681a1aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PadenSquiresApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-their-success-advice-for-entrepreneurs/id1723352366Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sXtqL6QHmDykXRJRFX71W?si=1760bcbc08dc4130&nd=1&dlsi=a1622ac901c2497a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most entrepreneurs are not failing because of their product… they’re failing because of their numbers. In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Paden Squires, founder of Squires Tax Planning, who has quietly helped business owners save tens of thousands of dollars and rebuild their relationship with money. This isn’t a “tax tips” episode. It’s a deep dive into identity, behavior change, and the simple financial habits that separate stuck founders from those who compound wealth year after year. Paden shares how Ray Dalio’s “Principles”, radical transparency, and his own philosophy of integrity and alignment shape the way he coaches entrepreneurs. From saving a client $30,000+ in taxes with a few structural moves, to spotting patterns in thousands of tax returns, Peyton reveals how the real unlock isn’t a secret loophole—it’s the willingness to face your numbers, do the work, and change who you are as a business owner. If your finances feel overwhelming, confusing, or “not your thing,” this conversation will show you where to start, what to focus on, and why tiny daily decisions with money are the real superpower. 5 Key Takeaways Radical transparency beats guesswork – borrowing from Ray Dalio, open dialogue and honest feedback lead to better financial decisions. Identity comes before strategy – real financial growth starts when founders decide to change who they are, not just what they do. Emotion drives most money decisions – childhood money stories often control your financial behavior more than spreadsheets do. Small daily wins compound into wealth – tiny, consistent actions with your finances matter more than big, one-off moves. Avoiding your numbers is the real risk – sticking your head in the sand with money only delays the pain; transparency and feedback are the way out. Timestamps [00:00] The boring secret behind business success: why principles matter more than tactics [01:06] Ray Dalio, radical transparency, and how hedge fund thinking applies to small business [03:31] Peyton’s core principle: integrity, alignment, and being the same person in every room [04:23] Why smart people make “illogical” money decisions (and how childhood shapes your finances) [06:02] The $30,000 tax win: a simple structural shift that most accountants never look for [08:21] The identity shift of a founder: from chain-smoking construction worker to ultra-runner and 4x revenue [10:52] Small daily financial habits, using AI on your statements, and where to start when you feel overwhelmed Guest Links Website: https://www.squirestaxplanning.comPersonal Site: https://www.padensquires.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/padensquiresFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089855132002LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paden-squires-cpa-cfp-19681a1aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PadenSquiresApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-their-success-advice-for-entrepreneurs/id1723352366Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sXtqL6QHmDykXRJRFX71W?si=1760bcbc08dc4130&nd=1&dlsi=a1622ac901c2497a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very adversity that tried to break you was actually the blueprint for your breakthrough? In this powerful conversation, TED speaker, coach, artist and strategist Cauveé – The Inspiration Engineer – breaks down how he transformed doubt, failure and “you can’t do that” into a repeatable framework for energy, execution and elevation. From selling out his first concert at 18, to missing the mark in a 3,500-seat auditorium, to helping clients break six figures and build rockstar personal brands, Kaveh shows that success isn’t an accident – it’s engineered. We dive deep into his SIP Method (Strategy, Instruction, Programming), why most people stay stuck in reasons instead of results, and how motivation music™ can rewire your subconscious faster than any speech. If you’ve ever felt like your dreams are bigger than your current reality, this episode gives you the mindset, tools and frameworks to finally close that gap. In this episode, you’ll learn: How one painful moment with his father turned Kaveh into “public enemy number one” – and ignited his life’s mission. Why adversity is the “gym” for your character and how to use it without burning out. The SIP Method and how Strategy, Instruction & Programming work together to build a rockstar personal brand. Why programming your subconscious matters more than getting “more information” or a better tactic. How motivation music™ leverages emotion, story and sound to hardwire new beliefs and performance. Timestamps [0:00] The Origin of The Inspiration EngineerHow Kaveh’s childhood, extroverted energy and early love for humans shaped his mission. [3:12] “You Can’t Do That” – The Moment That Changed EverythingThe father conversation that turned doubt into fuel and led to a sold‑out concert at 18. [6:26] From Local Fame to Life PurposeThe big win, the big flop, and the university coaching moment that redirected his entire career. [10:32] The SIP Method & Rockstar Personal BrandsBreaking down Strategy, Instruction & Programming – and why VCs are eyeing creator portfolios. [16:31] The Creator Economy, AI & What Will Actually Stand OutWhy diluted AI content will make real creativity, story and differentiation more valuable than ever. [18:44] Reasons vs Results: Reprogramming Your Default MindsetHow excuses, self‑sabotage and misaligned energy quietly destroy opportunity – and what to do instead. [28:33] Motivation Music™: Engineering Inspiration Through SoundThe science, stories and process behind putting speeches on beats and using music to rewire belief. Key Takeaways Adversity is design, not defect: you can choose the pain of discipline or the pain of regret – but you will pay either way. Most people don’t fail from lack of strategy; they fail from misaligned programming in their subconscious. The SIP Method combines strategy, instruction and programming so you don’t just know what to do – you become the person who does it. Personal brands are becoming portfolios: the next wave of investable “assets” are creators with multiple monetization streams. Music is an underused transformational tool: the right words on the right beat can bypass resistance and lock new beliefs into your nervous system. Guest Links http://www.inspirationengineer.com https://open.substack.com/pub/cauvee https://www.youtube.com/@Cauveé http://www.linkedin.com/in/Cauvee http://www.facebook.com/Cauvee http://www.instagram.com/Cauvee https://cauveecreative.com/youtubemusic https://cauveecreative.com/Spotify https://x.com/cauvee?s=21&t=EFcP2Pz_VSApJuAOUCYvtw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your great‑grandchildren could sit down and talk to you… 100 years from now? In this emotional and mind‑bending conversation, entrepreneur  Steve Endacott reveals how he’s building Life Echo – an AI-powered legacy platform that lets anyone, not just billionaires and celebrities, preserve their voice, stories, and values for future generations. Steven shares the deeply personal story of losing his mother to dementia, how that pain led to building a “digital echo” of a life, and why he believes every “ordinary” person has an extraordinary story worth saving. We dive into the technology behind conversational AI autobiographies, the ethics of talking to someone after they’ve died, how this can transform grieving, and what AI really means for work, wealth, and meaning in the next decade. This episode will change how you think about memory, death, and legacy—and what you do with your next five hours on earth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Life Echo turns a few short interviews into a 60‑page autobiography and an interactive AI “you” Why Steven believes only the rich being remembered is one of our greatest cultural failures The ethical rules they built to stop AI legacy from damaging the grieving process How AI, automation and “digital twins” could drive 25% unemployment—and what must change The small, practical step you can take today to start building a real legacy (beyond your LinkedIn bio) Timestamps 00:00 – Why almost nobody is remembered after three generations 02:10 – From Neural Voice to the world’s first AI MP for Parliament 06:45 – The birth of Life Echo: an AI version of you that speaks after you’re gone 08:40 – Dementia, dignity, and using AI to help people remember who they are 12:20 – Ethics, grief, and why Life Echo sets limits on how much you can use it 15:18 – Money, meaning, and why Steven stopped just building businesses 18:15 – AI, robots, and a future where 25% of people may not have jobs 19:56 – The one simple step to start building your legacy today Guest Links Life Echo Website: UK: https://www.lifeecho.co.uk US (launching): https://www.lifeecho.com Steven Endacott – LinkedIn: Search “Steven Endacott Life Echo” on LinkedIn Projects Mentioned: Newell River – Steven’s incubator (for Neural Voice and other AI ventures) Electric Car Organisation – Steven’s climate-focused give‑back initiative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could build a company you never have to run again—yet it keeps growing, thriving, and changing lives? In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with entrepreneur, investor and mentor Steven Endacott, who sold his travel and insurance businesses (including Holiday Taxis for $60M) and then chose a new game: helping the next generation of founders build AI-powered companies he never has to operate. Steven reveals the model behind his incubator, where experienced “gray hairs” and young AI natives build disruptive B2B products together. He breaks down how to find people you can actually trust, how to structure equity so it doesn’t trap you later, and why most founders get “replacing themselves” completely wrong. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back from the day-to-day without stepping away from impact, this conversation is your blueprint. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Steven sold his companies and rewired his identity from operator to chairman The powerful model pairing “gray hair” experience with young AI talent Why you should never lock in all your co-founder equity on day one How to find, test, and keep the right people in high-speed startups Why most AI opportunities are B2B, not B2C—and how to think like a real disruptor Timestamps [00:00] The setup: building a business you never have to run again [01:59] Selling Holiday Taxis for $60M and choosing a new game [02:40] The Newer River model: gray hairs, young AI grads, and shared equity [04:32] Engines vs cars: how to actually win with AI in business [06:57] Who can you really trust? Building teams that move ultra fast [09:26] The biggest mistake founders make when replacing themselves [11:11] Why most AI startups fail—and how Steven recycles top talent Guest Links www.steveendacott.co.uk www.lifesecho.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people watch house flips on TV. Scott Durham figured out how to own the deal in real life. In this episode, Junaid sits down with real estate investor and coach Scott Durham, who went from a $10/hour hotel job to flipping houses and building a repeatable system for wealth. Scott pulls back the curtain on his first flip, how he almost priced himself out of his own deals, and the simple math he still uses today to know—within seconds—if a property is worth the risk. If you’ve ever binged HGTV, scrolled past “before and after” photos on Instagram, or told yourself “I just need to learn a bit more before I start,” this conversation will hit hard. Scott exposes the real numbers behind TV flips, why “research without action is just entertainment,” and how ordinary people with no construction background can step into real estate with the right mentors, community, and mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Scott went from hotel front desk to top agent to profitable flipper The exact back‑of‑the‑napkin formula he uses to spot real deals fast Why overthinking and underestimating costs both kill beginners—and how to avoid both Creative ways to fund your first flip, even if you don’t have the cash The mindset + community shifts that turn a one‑off flip into a real business Timestamps 00:00 – From $10/hour hotel job to real estate insider 03:39 – The first flip: clueless with contractors, $50k in profit 07:08 – What HGTV never shows you: the real costs of flipping 11:10 – The simple formula Scott uses to know if a deal is worth it 16:00 – “I don’t have the money” – funding flips with other people’s cash 20:29 – Surviving fear, 2008 scars, and the mental game of real estate 27:20 – Scott’s one piece of advice if you’re on the edge of your first deal Guest Links – Scott Durham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real.scottdurham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your book, course, or expertise is sitting on a shelf, this episode is for you. Junaid sits down with learning strategist Parchelle Tashi, founder of The Author’s Leverage, to unpack how authors, coaches, and experts can turn years of experience into powerful, scalable learning assets that create income, impact, and freedom. They dive into how to productize your expertise, choose the right format (course, membership, licensing, B2B, enterprise, or experiences), and design learning that people actually use—not just binge once and forget. You’ll also hear Parchelle’s concept of “stickiness” for digital learning, the Learning Leverage Loop, and how to build systems that make your IP live far beyond one-to-one delivery. You’ll learn: How to productize what’s in your head into step-by-step assets that others can implement The framework for choosing between B2C, B2B, B2E, and live experiences as profit paths The Five I’s learning journey and how to meet your audience where they really are Why community and feedback loops are the real engine of sustainable growth Practical tools (like Notion and Go High Level) to deliver “sticky” learning and keep clients engaged Timestamps 00:00 – The problem with “delivery mode”Why experts burn out and why scaling your knowledge requires a mindset shift. 02:30 – What it really means to productize your expertiseTurning your method into a simple, repeatable process others can execute. 05:25 – The Leverage Plays: B2C, B2B, B2E & experiencesHow Parchelle maps all the profit paths hiding inside your existing body of work. 08:40 – The Five I’s: designing a true learning journeyFrom introduction to innovation—and finding where your audience is “screaming” the most. 13:20 – The Learning Leverage LoopA continuous system of evaluating, strategizing, creating, and staying in community. 16:40 – Making your content “sticky,” not forgettableHow to design digital assets people return to, use with their coach, and feel accountable for. 21:30 – Tools, systems & your first small step todayWhy Parchelle loves Notion and Go High Level—and what to do this week if you’re sitting on years of untapped expertise. Guest Links Website:  https://www.theauthorsleverage.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/parchelle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most online courses fail not because the expert isn’t brilliant, but because the learning experience is broken. In this conversation, former high school math teacher turned video producer and learning architect Parchelle Tashi, founder of The Author’s Leverage, reveals how she helps authors, coaches, and consultants transform their books and intellectual property into high-impact, profitable learning assets. Parchelle shares the real story behind leaving the classroom, building a production career up and down the East Coast, and finally discovering the “full circle” intersection of curriculum design, media, and scalable products. She breaks down why most courses don’t stick, the biggest mistake experts make when they teach online, and how to design learning that actually changes people — without stuffing everything you know into another 8-hour video course. 5 Key Takeaways Why simply turning your book into a video course almost always fails your audience The “burrito test” for knowing when your course is overstuffed and doomed to overwhelm learners How to design learning experiences that fit your audience’s real life, not just their screen time The leverage model: using one focused learning asset to open doors to institutions, workshops, and licensing deals A real success story: how a former federal prosecutor turned her interview skills into a scalable digital workbook used by colleges Timestamps 00:00 – From high school math teacher to founder of The Author’s Leverage 03:01 – The doubts, the coach, and the decision to go “all in” on production and entrepreneurship 06:48 – Why most online courses don’t work (and what a real learning “experience” feels like) 09:01 – The #1 mistake experts make when turning their expertise into a course 12:27 – The true vision behind The Author’s Leverage: impacting the world through lived wisdom 14:56 – Case study: transforming 20 years as a federal prosecutor into a scalable digital asset 17:46 – Rapid fire: dream photography location, favourite non-tech teaching tool, and the show that fuels Parchelle’s creativity Guest Links – Parchelle Tashi Website:  https://www.theauthorsleverage.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/parchelle/ Instagram: @parchelleosh / @theauthorsleverage Featured Work: The Author’s Leverage learning assets & client case studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can build an empire and still lose everything that matters. In this raw and practical conversation, high-performance men’s coach Mitchell Osmond returns to reveal why so many successful entrepreneurs are secretly failing at home — and how to flip the script without sacrificing their ambition. Mitchell breaks down the three pillars every driven man must master: marriage & key relationships, fitness, and mindset. He explains why delegation at home is not laziness but leadership, how to treat your time as your most valuable currency, and why your kids don’t need your words — they need your example. If you’ve ever felt like a hero at work and a stranger at home, this episode is your blueprint to change that. 5 Big Takeaways You don’t have to choose between success at work and success at home — that’s a lie most high performers have quietly accepted. Marriage, fitness, and mindset are the three pillars Mitchell uses to help men reclaim their home life without burning their careers down. Delegation at home is buying back time, energy, and capacity, not just outsourcing chores. It’s how you get 120 minutes out of a 60‑minute hour. Time is the only currency you spend without knowing the remaining balance — and most men are squandering it on tasks that drain, not give life. You are the blueprint for your children. They don’t become what you tell them; they become what you model, day after day. Timestamps 00:00 – Why high-performing men are losing at home 01:13 – The 3 pillars: marriage, fitness, and mindset explained 03:56 – Delegation at home: how to “buy back” your time and energy 08:04 – Pride, ego, and the real reason men won’t ask for help 12:41 – The Time & Energy Audit: a simple tool that changes everything 16:30 – “You give your family the scraps”: a brutal wake-up call 17:14 – You are the blueprint: breaking generational cycles for your kids Guest Links – Mitchell Osmond Website: https://www.dadnationco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadnationco/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your biggest success story begins at your lowest point? In this raw and deeply honest conversation, leadership consultant and Dad Nation founder Mitchell Osmond shares how he went from a depressed, addicted, $100k-in-debt ex-executive on the brink of divorce… to rebuilding his marriage, paying off all his debt, losing 60 pounds, and becoming the man his family actually wants to follow. We break down the moment everything snapped on the living room couch, the haunting question he heard at a stranger’s funeral, and the exact inner work and community he used to rewrite his story. If you’ve ever felt like a high performer at work but a failure at home, this episode will challenge how you define success—and give you a blueprint to start again. You’ll learn: How a brutal fight over money became Mitchell’s rock-bottom turning point The single funeral question that forced him to confront his legacy Why high-achieving men win at work but quietly lose at home The “eulogy exercise” to redefine success as a husband and father How to design your “best three years” and reverse-engineer it into daily actions Timestamps 00:00 – From senior leader to rock bottom: Mitchell’s introduction and hidden collapse behind the title 01:08 – The fight that nearly ended his marriage: Depression, debt, addiction, and feeling powerless at home 03:40 – The funeral that changed everything: “Are you living a life worthy of imitation?” 06:50 – Rewriting the story: Paying off $100k, losing 60 lbs, rebuilding his marriage, launching Dad Nation 08:13 – Why high performers fail at home: Masculinity, metrics, and the trap of only chasing visible wins 10:20 – The Eulogy Exercise: How to define the legacy you actually want your family to speak about 16:48 – “Best three years” & legacy ladders: A practical framework to reclaim time, health, and presence Guest Links Website: https://dadnationco.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/dadnationco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if selling cars had nothing to do with cars—and everything to do with your face on camera? In this episode, Junaid sits down with Ina Coveney, founder of Auto Social Consulting and the creator behind Auto Social Gal, to dismantle every excuse dealerships and local businesses use to avoid short-form video. Ina reveals why you shouldn’t try to be an “influencer,” why copying trends is actually the smartest move you can make, and how a simple 30-day content sprint can completely change the way your community sees you. Whether you run a dealership, a coaching business, a restaurant, or any local service, this conversation will change how you think about Instagram Reels, TikTok, and building a personal brand inside a bigger company. If you’ve ever felt stuck, camera-shy, or skeptical about social media “ROI,” this is your playbook. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why original content is overrated and how to ethically “steal” trends for your brand The mindset shift from “influencer” to “creator” that unlocks consistent posting A 30-day content strategy that actually works for busy salespeople and owners The exact tool stack Ina uses (and why CapCut is a non-negotiable) How to build a powerful personal brand inside a company without getting fired Timestamps 00:00 – Why dealerships are losing online (and don’t even know it yet) 01:23 – The biggest mistake local businesses make with content 06:19 – “You’re not an influencer”: The mindset shift that changes everything 09:58 – Ina’s 30-day content plan for real-world businesses 16:05 – The tools Ina actually uses: CapCut, captions, and killing the “ums” 19:56 – The hook formula: text vs visual hooks (and what really works) 23:11 – “Our customers aren’t on TikTok…” and other costly lies dealerships believe Guest Links – Ina Coveney Company: Auto Social Consulting (automotive social media consulting for dealerships) Instagram: @autosocialgal TikTok: @autosocialgal 5 Key Takeaways Trends are a shortcut, not cheating – TikTok and Instagram are built for remixing; using popular sounds and formats is how you win, not how you “copy.” Post daily or don’t pretend you’re serious – One piece of content a week is a “summer project,” not a growth strategy; aim for at least one video a day. Your feed trains your algorithm – What you watch tells TikTok/Instagram who your audience is; consume content from your niche to get your content in front of the right people. CapCut is a game changer – Auto-removing filler words and breaths creates fast, addictive videos that keep attention and boost retention. You’re not selling the product; you’re selling you – Social doesn’t exist to sell the car today; it exists to build trust, familiarity, and brand so the buyer walks in already on your side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the niche you were meant to dominate is the one you never planned to enter? In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Ina Coveney, marketing strategist, social media trainer, and founder of Auto Social Consulting, to unpack how a single conference talk for podcasters pulled her into the automotive industry—and why car dealerships across the U.S. are now relying on her to go viral and sell more cars. Ina reveals how she went from “I don’t belong here” in a room full of dealers, to becoming the go‑to strategist for dealership social media, using organic content, trend-based videos, and a community-first mindset. She shares the exact mindset shift that flipped everything, the TikTok trend that exploded for a client, and how podcasting and relationships—not follower counts—built her business. This is a masterclass in turning small audiences and random opportunities into life-changing momentum. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a chance encounter at Podfest turned Ina into an automotive social media authority The mindset shift she used to turn “wrong room” anxiety into her biggest business breakthrough Why dealerships don’t need superstars or massive followings to sell cars on social media The viral “wiggle room” TikTok concept that put a local dealership in front of tens of thousands of people How Ina balances personal branding and dealership values so content goes viral without selling out your integrity Timestamps 00:00 – How a podcaster walked into the wrong room and found her life’s niche 01:40 – From online marketing to automotive: the mastermind moment that changed everything 05:45 – The first dealership client: one question, one table, one “I can help” 10:10 – Conferences, community, and how podcasting quietly builds empires 15:05 – Going viral without superstars: the “wiggle room” video and 50,000 views 18:30 – Where dealerships draw the line: staying on-brand while chasing trends 22:10 – Dream cars, dream guests, and why content creation is now a way of life Where to reach Our Guest https://goatforreal216.cominstagram/tiktok: @autosocialgal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices